Cereb vs Traditional SCADA: Why Modern AI-Native IoT Wins
For decades, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems have been the backbone of industrial monitoring. But in an era of cloud computing, AI, and rapid digital transformation, is your legacy SCADA holding you back?
The SCADA Legacy Problem
Traditional SCADA systems were designed in an era before cloud computing, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence. While they served their purpose well for decades, modern operations demand more:
- Rigid architecture: Proprietary protocols lock you into specific vendors
- Expensive scaling: Adding devices requires hardware upgrades
- Limited intelligence: Basic alarming with no predictive capabilities
- Poor accessibility: Often requires on-site presence or complex VPN setups
The Cereb Difference
Cereb was built from the ground up for the modern era. Our AI-native platform takes a fundamentally different approach:
- Universal connectivity: Connect any device with 600+ protocols supported
- Cloud-native scaling: From 10 to 10,000+ devices with no infrastructure changes
- AI-powered insights: Ask questions in plain English, get intelligent answers
- Access anywhere: Secure web access from any device, anywhere
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Traditional SCADA | Cereb |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Time | 6-18 months | Days to weeks |
| Upfront Cost | $100K - $1M+ | From $1,980/year |
| Device Integration | Limited protocols, custom development | 600+ protocols out-of-the-box |
| AI/ML Capabilities | Requires separate integration | Built-in AI assistant & anomaly detection |
| Scalability | Hardware-constrained | Cloud-native, unlimited scale |
| Remote Access | VPN/complex setup | Secure web access anywhere |
| Custom Dashboards | Expensive customization | Self-service or tailor-made |
| Maintenance | On-site technicians required | Fully managed, automatic updates |
Real-World Impact
The differences aren't just theoretical. Organizations switching from SCADA to Cereb report:
When SCADA Still Makes Sense
To be fair, there are scenarios where traditional SCADA may still be appropriate:
- Air-gapped environments: Facilities with strict network isolation requirements
- Legacy integration: When most equipment uses proprietary SCADA protocols
- Regulatory requirements: Industries with specific SCADA compliance mandates
However, even in these cases, hybrid approaches combining SCADA with modern IoT platforms are increasingly common.
Making the Switch
Moving from SCADA to a modern IoT platform doesn't have to be disruptive. Cereb supports gradual migration:
- Parallel operation: Run Cereb alongside existing SCADA initially
- Gradual migration: Move devices and dashboards at your pace
- Data continuity: Import historical data for uninterrupted analytics
- Team training: Intuitive interface means minimal learning curve
Ready to Modernize Your Operations?
See how Cereb can replace or augment your SCADA system with a free consultation and demo.