Product development at Netcontrol – Adapting to a changing landscape

In a world where change is the only constant, the energy sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. At Netcontrol, we are not merely adapting; we are seizing this moment with determination. Continuous product development is our guiding principle, fueling our mission to create innovative products that empower our customers to thrive in a dynamic environment.

As regulatory landscapes evolve, we proactively transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring that utilities not only meet but exceed market expectations. We are committed to developing resilient and effective solutions through systematic enhancements in both hardware and software.

7 factors driving our development

1. Customer-centric approach

We embrace a customer-centric ethos in product development, actively engaging with our global partners to understand their local challenges and aspirations. This dialogue inspires the design of future-focused products like the Netcon 200. As utilities face an increasing number of new regulations and requirements, our strategy emphasizes creating adaptable solutions that evolve seamlessly to meet compliance standards. We enable our customers to commission systems with ease, allowing them to focus on delivering power and services to their communities

2. Cybersecurity and reliability

With the introduction of the NIS2 Directive, cybersecurity takes center stage in the utility sector. Ensuring robust security protocols in our products is essential for safeguarding infrastructure and customer data. This directive compels us to rethink our protection strategies not only at the SCADA level but also for each RTU installed in a distribution line. Strengthening our systems against cyber threats and continuously enhancing our cybersecurity measures is at the core of our Netcon product strategy, ensuring our solutions remain secure and reliable. Our teams are committed to ongoing research and development, integrating the latest technologies and methodologies into our products, such as Secure Kernel Checks, AIDE intrusion detection, signing patch updates, and DDoS prevention. We provide software and hardware upgrades that fortify the control process.

3. Green transition in the power grid

The shift towards renewable energy sources (RES) is transforming power grids from stable, one-directional power transmission systems into dynamic ecosystems with distributed generation. As renewable energy technology advances, our products must meet the new operational challenges and capabilities embedded in traditional electricity transmission and distribution systems. The momentum toward renewable energy is reshaping our world — not just as a local transition but as a global revolution. We embrace this spirit of change to innovate products that seamlessly integrate with renewable energy technologies, helping users monitor and control the distribution network and empowering a sustainable tomorrow.

4. Power quality and stability

As reliable power quality and stability become key factors in supporting the green energy revolution, we are driven to refine our approach to measurement technologies with a greater focus on precision and accuracy. This need arises from the increasing complexity of power systems and the imperative to ensure observable and efficient operations without interruptions. Our experts are dedicated to helping customers achieve optimal measurement accuracy in both new and retrofitted stations to address these critical demands. By investing in research and development, we aim to create robust solutions that not only meet industry standards but also enhance the overall reliability of power delivery systems. This proactive approach ensures we can better serve our customers and contribute to the stability of the power grid in an ever-evolving energy landscape.

5. Advanced products for easy commissioning

As network automation products evolve in sophistication, the importance of easy commissioning becomes increasingly evident. Embracing plug-and-play solutions makes deployment a seamless process, allowing for faster integration into existing systems. Our Netcon ONE service and Netcon Application Manager (NAM) system embodies our commitment to customers. By enabling seamless deployment, observability, updates, and continuous backup, NAM serves as scalable management software for large numbers of Netcon devices. Supervision and continuous security updates are now simpler than ever.

6. Responsive operation and precise fault detection

In today’s fast-paced energy environment, the demand for responsive operational responses and highly sensitive fault detection is intensifying. Our innovative products leverage state-of-the-art algorithms designed to selectively identify and isolate anomalies within power systems. By partnering with leading sensor manufacturers like ABB and Greenwood-Power, we develop solutions that are ready to operate seamlessly from the moment they are deployed, significantly reducing the need for extensive post-commissioning calibration. This ensures that our systems maintain high performance and reliability from the start, enabling quick adjustments and enhanced operational efficiency in critical situations.

7. Sustainable network automation

Our product designs are in a constant state of evolution, incorporating advanced technologies and materials that comply with the latest environmental standards. This commitment to sustainability not only enhances our operational efficiency but also reduces our carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet. By prioritizing these vital changes, we aim to lead the industry in responsible practices. Transitioning away from sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas in switchgear and switching equipment represents a significant step toward a more sustainable future for the energy industry. In response, our company is dedicated to helping our partners and customers implement new SF6-free assets while maintaining the reliability and performance of energy distribution and generation processes. You can read more about our sustainability efforts here.

Embracing collaboration for future success

At the core of our continuous product development philosophy is the power of collaboration. Strong partnerships across various sectors and with our clients drive innovation and enable us to design solutions that address real-world challenges. Through these united efforts, we deliver products that are not only effective and efficient but also sustainable, meeting the demands of an ever-evolving energy landscape.

In conclusion, product development at Netcontrol goes beyond mere adaptation — it embodies our commitment to leading the way toward a sustainable, secure, and advanced energy future. By thoroughly understanding demand factors and focusing on innovative solutions, we are prepared to empower utilities to navigate the complexities of the modern energy environment.

Author

Roman Jaloza is a Product Manager at Netcontrol. He joined the company in 2024 and has worked in R&D and sales in the global network automation business since 2010.