SCADA Solutions Compared: Border States Electric Supply vs. Control Systems 21
In the world of industrial automation, choosing the right SCADA solutions provider can make or break operational efficiency. Two companies that frequently get attention in this space are Border States Electric Supply and Control Systems 21. While both offer SCADA-related services, their strengths, scale, and core business approaches differ considerably.
This article takes a deep dive into both organizations, comparing their capabilities, offerings, and value propositions for SCADA applications. Whether you’re an operations manager, systems integrator, or plant engineer, this breakdown will help you figure out which provider suits your business needs better.
Meet the Companies: Snapshot Overview
Border States Electric Supply is a major electrical distributor headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota. Founded in 1952, the company has consistently ranked among the top employee-owned businesses in the U.S. With over 100 branch locations spread across North America, Border States provides industrial, utility, and construction customers with electrical automation, lighting, and data solutions.
The company’s size and supply chain breadth make it a powerful resource for SCADA hardware, network infrastructure, and control solutions. Their SCADA services are more hardware-focused but available in comprehensive automation packages depending on project size.
Website: https://www.borderstates.com/
Control Systems 21, based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, is a smaller, highly specialized control systems integrator. Unlike large-scale distributors, CS21’s focus centers on custom-designed automation systems including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and control panel fabrication. Their team consists of engineers, software developers, and electricians who work across markets including water/wastewater, manufacturing, and food processing.
Although much smaller in scale compared to Border States, Control Systems 21 delivers deep, technical SCADA expertise rooted in decades of experience.
Website: https://www.controlsystems21.com/
Approach to SCADA: Product vs. Integration Focus
Border States excels by leveraging its vast supplier network. They offer SCADA-enabling equipment such as:
- PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
- RTUs (Remote Terminal Units)
- HMI/SCADA software via providers like GE, Rockwell Automation, and Schneider Electric
- Data communication infrastructure (Ethernet switches, wireless gateways)
Their model is product-driven. They empower clients by providing the components needed for SCADA deployment, often relying on system integrators or in-house client teams for commissioning and programming. If your organization already has SCADA architecture in place or your team includes experienced integrators, Border States’ solution fits well for hardware upgrades or scaling.
On the other hand, Control Systems 21 offers full-service SCADA integration. They design the entire ecosystem—controllers, HMIs, software programming, and even post-install support—custom-tailored for each site or process. Their team meets clients on-site to:
- Assess existing infrastructure
- Design legacy system upgrades
- Develop modular SCADA dashboards
- Provide cybersecurity assessments
This white-glove approach removes a lot of the complexity from SCADA implementation, especially for clients with limited in-house IT/OT expertise.
Technology Stack Comparison
Let’s break down the technological competencies of both companies with a simple comparison table:
| Features | Border States Electric Supply | Control Systems 21 |
|---|---|---|
| SCADA Software Partners | GE Digital, Rockwell (FactoryTalk), Schneider Electric | Ignition by Inductive Automation, Wonderware, VTScada |
| System Integration | Limited (Relies on third-party integrators) | Full in-house integration services |
| Custom Programming | Optional, through third-party contractors | Yes – PLC & HMI programming by staff engineers |
| Cybersecurity Integration | Basic network advice | Built-in security protocols with advanced network segmentation |
| Project Size Fit | Better for large enterprise-level or distributed networks | Ideal for medium-sized industrial sites needing hands-on development |
Ease of Collaboration and Customer Support
Border States, being a distributor first, offers excellent logistical support. Their team handles procurement, warehousing, and delivery with precision. Customer service is strong in terms of replacement parts and product documentation, but lacks personalized engineering support unless you hire a separate integrator or consultant.
Contrast this with Control Systems 21, which functions like an extension of your operations team during a project. They offer:
- Site walkthroughs
- Custom designs from scratch
- 24/7 technical support for mission-critical systems
If your process requires system tuning post-deployment, Control Systems 21 has you covered. They often form long-standing relationships with their clients, handling everything from annual upgrades to emergency field service.
One example of CS21’s flexibility is their work with wastewater plants in Pennsylvania, where they designed touchscreen SCADA dashboards users could access remotely—no IT staff needed.
Cost Consideration: Budgeting for SCADA
Let’s talk numbers (even if generalized). Border States offers budget flexibility for companies wanting to buy components only. Their SCADA setup costs less upfront but places more responsibility on the buyer for integration and commissioning.
Think of them like Home Depot for industrial automation—you find everything you need, but you likely have to hire a contractor to do the wiring right.
Control Systems 21 charges more upfront because their offering is turnkey. However, the hidden savings arrive later: no downtime chasing integration errors; robust cybersecurity planning avoids compliance fines; and clean operator interfaces improve efficiency. Over time, ROI often favors CS21 for companies requiring reliability over speed of deployment.
Pros and Cons Roundup
Border States Electric Supply
Pros:
- Vast inventory and rapid part delivery
- Established vendor network
- Employee-owned; strong customer care culture
- Ideal for companies with in-house integrators
Cons:
- Not a dedicated SCADA integration company
- Limited technical consulting for complex processes
- May require third-party engineering support
Control Systems 21
Pros:
- Full-service SCADA integrator
- Custom HMI and PLC programming
- Cybersecurity-first design approach
- Excellent for water/wastewater and industrial verticals
Cons:
- Higher initial project cost
- Fewer locations and less extensive hardware inventory
- Better suited for project-based clients than general supply
Use Case Examples
Case Study: Power Utility Expansion (Border States)
A southwestern electric utility needed to expand its grid monitoring capabilities due to increasing solar load. They partnered with Border States to procure GE and Schneider Electric RTUs, installing over 100 nodes across substations. The utility’s in-house SCADA team handled the backend integration. Border States supported with logistics and technical data sheets. This scenario showcases how Border States fits large projects with internal engineering support.
Case Study: Water Treatment Automation (Control Systems 21)
A county in Maryland upgraded its aging water plant. CS21 implemented Ignition SCADA software, designed touch interfaces, and retrofitted the whole facility. Operators can now control pumps and monitor flows via tablets or wall-mounted screens. This direct involvement of CS21 from start to finish made the transition seamless. The facility reports faster response times and better regulatory compliance.
Which Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between Border States Electric Supply and Control Systems 21 comes down to your organization’s internal capabilities and goals.
Consider Border States if:
- You already have experienced control engineers
- You prefer to source components and build in-house
- You require nationwide logistics and consistent reordering
Choose Control Systems 21 if:
- You want a partner to handle everything end-to-end
- You operate in regulated environments needing documentation and diagnostics
- You’re upgrading legacy systems or need specialized safety compliance
Some businesses even use both: sourcing hardware from Border States while contracting integration to Control Systems 21. This hybrid model leverages the strengths of each provider.
Conclusion
SCADA systems are the heart of modern industrial automation. Choosing the right partner is vital to long-term reliability, safety, and ROI. Border States Electric Supply offers robust hardware access and unmatched logistics. Control Systems 21 delivers hands-on technical depth and integration expertise.
Both bring serious value—but knowing your needs first will steer you to the right solution. Whether you’re scaling an existing network or building operations from scratch, understand your internal capabilities before you decide. Then choose a partner who not only fits your budget, but becomes a true extension of your team.
For more information on Border States, visit their SCADA and automation division at https://www.borderstates.com/solutions/automation
To explore Control Systems 21’s integration capabilities, check out their portfolio at https://www.controlsystems21.com/case-studies
Still undecided? Consider reaching out to both firms. A quick discovery call can help clarify which team aligns better with your next big automation initiative.
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