How ProSense Delivers an Unmatched Ecosystem with RTU Cloud SCADA and Modular I/O
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
Industrial automation is evolving rapidly, and companies face growing pressure to deliver scalable, cost-effective, and integrated solutions. Traditional RTUs often come with limitations in expansion, proprietary hardware, and costly SCADA software licenses. ProSense changes this by offering a complete automation ecosystem that combines RTU hardware, modular I/O expansion, and cloud-based SCADA with historian and IoT capabilities. This post explains how ProSense’s three-tier platform redefines industrial automation and outperforms competitors like Schneider and Brodersen.
ProSense’s Three-Tier Automation Platform
ProSense is not just an RTU. It is a full ecosystem built on three levels that work together seamlessly:
Level 1: ProSense 4G RTU
At the core is the ProSense RTU, a compact device with built-in 4G LTE connectivity. It supports multiple communication protocols including MQTT and Modbus RTU/TCP, enabling direct-to-cloud data transfer without extra gateways. The RTU includes:
8 digital inputs (DI)
8 analog inputs (AI)
8 relays
4 pulse inputs
Local LCD for diagnostics
Price point around $799, making it accessible for many applications
This RTU provides a solid foundation for remote monitoring and control with modern connectivity options.
Level 2: Modular I/O Ecosystem
ProSense supports a wide range of modular I/O expansion units that connect easily to the RTU without changing the core hardware. Modules include:
12 DI / 6 DO / 8 AI / 2 AO modules
8-channel RTD modules for temperature sensing
Universal input modules supporting multiple sensor types
Isolated digital input modules for noise immunity
12 digital output modules
This modular approach lets users expand from 20 I/O points on the RTU to over 200 I/O points without proprietary cards or expensive expansion racks. It eliminates the need for complex SCADA gateway engineering and reduces costs compared to competitors.
Level 3: ProSight Cloud SCADA, Historian, and IoT Platform
The cloud layer, ProSight, provides a full SCADA-lite experience with:
Real-time dashboards for monitoring
Historian storage for long-term data analysis
Alarm and notification management
Reporting tools
API and webhook integration for custom workflows
Support for unlimited devices and multi-site management
Maps, trends, and charts for visual insights
Rules engine to run logic in the cloud
ProSight integrates directly with the RTU’s MQTT and Modbus protocols, replacing traditional SCADA stacks with a simpler, more scalable solution.
How ProSense Beats Schneider and Brodersen
Schneider Electric’s solution pairs RTUs with expensive licensed SCADA software, which can increase upfront and ongoing costs. Brodersen requires integrator-built SCADA systems, adding complexity and customisation time.
ProSense offers:
RTU hardware with built-in 4G and multiple protocols
Unlimited I/O expansion with modular, low-cost DIN-rail modules
Cloud SCADA and historian included without licensing fees
Industrial IoT platform capabilities for modern data integration
This combination delivers a complete automation ecosystem that no competitor in this tier can match. It reduces hardware costs, simplifies engineering, and accelerates deployment.
Practical Benefits for Industrial Automation
Scalability Without Hardware Changes
With ProSense, expanding I/O does not require replacing the RTU or buying proprietary expansion racks. Users can add modules as needed, scaling from small to large systems easily.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Eliminating expensive SCADA licenses and proprietary hardware cuts costs significantly. The cloud-based ProSight platform reduces IT overhead and simplifies maintenance.
Faster Deployment and Integration
Direct-to-cloud connectivity and support for standard protocols like MQTT and Modbus speed up commissioning. The API and webhook features enable integration with existing enterprise systems.
Enhanced Data Visibility and Control
Real-time dashboards, alarms, and historian data provide operators with clear insights. The rules engine allows automation of alerts and actions based on live data.
Examples of ProSense in Action
Water Treatment Plants: Operators monitor pumps, valves, and sensors remotely with ProSense RTUs and expand I/O as new equipment is added. Cloud alarms notify staff of anomalies immediately.
Manufacturing Lines: Modular I/O supports diverse sensor types including temperature, pressure, and flow. ProSight dashboards track production metrics and historical trends.
Renewable Energy Sites: Solar and wind farms use ProSense for remote monitoring with 4G connectivity, reducing the need for on-site visits and enabling predictive maintenance.
Final Thoughts
ProSense offers a clear alternative to traditional RTU and SCADA solutions by combining scalable hardware, modular I/O, and cloud-based software into one ecosystem. This approach lowers costs, simplifies system design, and improves operational visibility. For companies looking to modernize industrial automation, ProSense delivers unmatched value and flexibility that competitors cannot match.