ProArch began the transition project with intensive discovery and planning. The ProArch team visited every plant and office. They noted the equipment in use. Took more than 2,500 photos for reference. Studied how the plants currently talk to each other. And gave personnel a questionnaire to see which applications staff were using.
Next, the team formulated a solution to address their findings and came back to the firm with its proposal. The holistic plan considered the control systems on the OT side, software, hardware, and monitoring, all related. And how each plant could be optimized with maximum flexibility to enable sharing information while securing sensitive data.
The centerpiece of the solution: a Microsoft cloud-based architecture. As a top Microsoft partner, ProArch migrated Enel’s systems over to a standardized one featuring:
- Microsoft Azure
- Microsoft365 applications for all users (including configuring each of their desktops and backed up by Veeam)
- Microsoft OneDrive for simple, secure data storage and organization
- Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection
- Azure Conditional Access, Multi-factor Authentication and Azure Security for logging, alerting and access controls
- Microsoft SharePoint for easy collaboration across offices and plants
The security-first architecture features two-factor authentication throughout the network that protects critical infrastructure beyond standard North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) CIP requirements. On the operations side, dam controls are protected by remote 2-factor authentication, which also resides in the cloud.
Going forward, ProArch will serve Hull Street Energy’s continuing IT and OT needs related to its acquisition of Enel’s assets, from system maintenance to monitoring, ensuring a secure, reliable environment.
.png)
