About the Project

consolidating five separate systems into a secure, centralised monitoring platform

As Victoria’s second-largest port, GeelongPort required a unified control system to enhance operational oversight and support data-driven decisions across its infrastructure.

SGA was engaged to modernise its fragmented and outdated SCADA environment, consolidating five separate systems into a secure, centralised monitoring platform.

SGA delivered a staged solution: upgrading legacy platforms, deploying Ignition Edge systems on-site, and establishing a cloud-hosted Ignition server. The result was a consistent, scalable SCADA foundation that aligned with modern operational needs while maintaining usability for port operators.

Client – GeelongPort

Location – Geelong, Victoria

Project Duration –14 months, April 2023 – June 2024

Industry – Logistics

  • Replace isolated, locally-hosted SCADA systems with a centralised platform
  • Enable remote monitoring capabilities, with operational control planned for Stage 2
  • Improve system-wide visibility for business decision-making
  • Inconsistent SCADA infrastructure with no shared standards
  • Four separate Citect systems and a dual-HMI site running independently
  • No remote access or unified tag structure
  • Vulnerabilities due to legacy software and siloed data
Project Duration: April 2023 – June 2024 | 14 months

The result? A scalable, modern and usable SCADA foundation

SGA delivered a robust solution with advanced automation, secure data integration, and cloud-based functionality to ensure long-term efficiency.

Centralised SCADA upgrade across multiple independent systems.

  • SCADA upgrade from Citect to Ignition Edge and Ignition Gateway
  • Cloud-hosted central SCADA server deployment
  • Tag structure unification across five systems
  • Interface standardisation with reusable templates
  • Ignition store-and-forward configuration for data reliability
  • Stakeholder workshops and collaborative design review
  • On-site support and demonstration setup for operations team

Foundations for Central Monitoring

  • Upgraded all legacy Citect systems (now PlantSCADA) to improve security and streamline data transfer to Ignition
  • Deployed Ignition Edge gateways locally at each site to collect and buffer tag data
  • Configured a cloud-hosted Ignition server to consolidate monitoring from all five sites
  • Utilised store-and-forward technology to ensure no data loss during outages

Unified Design and Tag Standardisation

  • Created a consistent template library and visual style across all systems
  • Unified tag structures to streamline configuration and avoid changes to PLC logic
  • Ensured operational continuity by preserving the familiar operator interface while upgrading backend systems

Collaborative Design Process

  • Led regular workshops and stakeholder reviews across departments
  • Provided demonstration PCs and interface previews to gather operator feedback
  • Balanced usability and modernisation, ensuring buy-in from all teams involved

Unified Visibility: Operators can now monitor all port systems from a single, centralised SCADA platform.

Secure, Scalable Architecture: Cloud-hosted Ignition Gateway allows for remote access, redundancy, and future expansion.

Streamlined Operations: Standardised interface elements improve usability, reduce training time, and minimise errors.

Zero Data Loss: Ignition’s store-and-forward system ensures data integrity during network disruptions.

Client Satisfaction & Continued Partnership: Successful delivery led to a support agreement and planning for Stage 2 expansion.

Stage 2 of the GeelongPort SCADA rollout will focus on removing remaining PlantSCADA systems and transitioning full operational control into the Ignition ecosystem.

This next phase will enhance responsiveness and allow for deeper integration with business decision-making tools.