According to the project team: “SISO was absolutely the MVP of the Black Start project…The ‘thread’ that brought it all together.”

This case study examines how SISO Engineering’s controls automation work supported the deployment of a battery-powered Black Start system at an electrical generating facility utilizing gas turbine and battery storage technology.

Project Background

The Southern California facility required Black Start capability to improve site resilience during major grid outages. The objective was to enable independent restart without reliance on external power, allowing the plant to serve as a grid stability resource during regional disturbances.

SISO Engineering has supported the facility’s control systems since 2018. For this project, the existing GE Proficy Cimplicity platform was selected as the integration framework for the battery system add-ons.

Technical Approach

The scope of work centered on expanding the Cimplicity infrastructure to accommodate the Black Start application requirements.

Control Narrative Development

New control narratives were developed specifically for the Black Start application, addressing the interaction between battery systems, turbine controls, and balance-of-plant equipment. This included sequencing logic for startup procedures and coordination protocols for system transitions.

HMI Design and Implementation

Custom HMI displays were created to provide operators with visibility into battery readiness, system status, and turbine start sequences. The interface design prioritized clear information hierarchy during Black Start events when operators require immediate access to critical parameters.

BOP Coordination Logic

Additional logic was built and tested to manage coordination between the battery system, turbine controls, and plant auxiliaries. Automated safeguards were incorporated to reduce risk during critical transitions and minimize the potential for operator error during high-pressure situations.

Software-Based Integration

By leveraging Cimplicity’s flexibility, the project minimized the need for external hardware modifications. This approach supported faster deployment timelines while maintaining system reliability standards.

Implementation Results

The Cimplicity-based controls system has been activated twice following separate utility disturbances. In both instances, the facility successfully restored generation independently, validating system performance under actual operating conditions rather than solely test scenarios.

The facility now functions as a grid stability resource, capable of independent recovery during major outages and contributing to regional resilience infrastructure.

Technical Considerations

Platform Selection: Cimplicity’s SCADA system provided the necessary flexibility for custom application development while integrating with existing control infrastructure.

Operator Interface Design: HMI modifications focused on usability during emergency conditions, when cognitive load is high and response time is critical.

Logic Testing: Extensive testing of BOP coordination logic prior to commissioning identified edge cases and refined automated sequences.

Existing Infrastructure: SISO’s six-year engagement with the facility’s control systems provided institutional knowledge that informed design decisions and integration approaches.

Project Recognition

The ENR West 2024 Best Energy/Industrial Project award recognizes the collaborative effort across the project team.

SISO supported this project from conceptual system design to enable advanced power generation capabilities. The successful integration of battery storage with existing gas turbine operations required custom control narratives, operator interfaces, and coordination logic tailored to the specific application requirements.

SISO Engineering’s approach—leveraging existing platform capabilities, prioritizing operator needs, and applying facility-specific knowledge—supported the deployment of a reliable Black Start system now validated through real-world activations.

SISO Engineering specializes in control system support, design, and upgrades for gas turbine systems. Our work encompasses controls automation, remote monitoring, and diagnostic platforms that support operational reliability and efficiency.

The post Case Study: Controls Integration Enables Award-Winning Energy Storage System with Black Start appeared first on SISO Engineering.

Power plants are complex. Monitoring them doesn’t have to be.

SnapShot gives gas turbine operators a clearer view of their equipment, enabling faster decisions, earlier issue detection, and lower-cost maintenance. At the core of this system are two tightly connected components: TDCS and the Matrix Box.

Together, they represent a modern, edge-driven approach to high-resolution data capture, diagnostics, and remote support.

What Is TDCS?

TDCS stands for Turbine Data Collection System. It was purpose-built to collect high-fidelity turbine data in real time, even during transient operating events. This isn’t your standard historian.

• Captures high-resolution, sub-second data across any number of data points
• Logs transient events automatically during start-ups and trips
• Delivers local edge analytics for real-time monitoring of bearing vibrations
• Caches data to prevent data loss in the event of a loss of stable internet connection
• Integrates with turbine control systems such as GE Mark VI, Mark VIe, Woodward, Emerson RX3i, Allen-Bradley

TDCS enables detailed trend analysis and root-cause troubleshooting across the turbine’s lifecycle. The system is designed to complement, not replace, your existing controls.

SISO is the first to deliver real-time, cloud-based turbine data to customers at scale—and TDCS continues to raise that bar.

What Is the Matrix Box?

TDCS depends on reliable, secure, and fast access to data. That’s where the Matrix Box comes in.
The Matrix Box is SISO’s on-site edge gateway. It connects directly to your turbine’s control system and securely collects data across communication protocols (Modbus, EGD.. etc) , and pushes the data over encrypted channels to the SnapShot cloud for processing and visualization. More than a logger, it’s a smart and secure bridge between your turbine and SISO’s analytics.

Key functions:

• Interfaces with legacy and modern control systems (e.g., via Modbus,EGD, OPC)
• Buffers and transmits live data securely to SnapShot
• Performs on-board analytics and local filtering
• Enables secure remote support from SISO engineers

Whether it’s a Mark VIe or a mixed-architecture environment, the Matrix Box ensures reliable data flow and diagnostic access.

Why It Matters

With TDCS and the Matrix Box installed, you’re not just collecting data. You’re activating it.

• Spot issues before alarms trigger
• Cut troubleshooting time from hours and days to minutes
• Capture high-speed event data for future review
• Support remote diagnostics immediately without sending personnel and travel delays
• Lower maintenance costs by acting early and precisely

This is not theoretical. In one recent case, a SnapShot customer resolved a six-figure turbine issue in under 30 minutes without sending anyone to site. Across our deployments, SnapShot continues to help sites reduce downtime, improve reliability, and operate more efficiently.

Ready to upgrade how you monitor your plant?

SnapShot 1.8 is already helping plants run smarter. Get in touch with us at [email protected] if you’d like to schedule a walkthrough or talk about what’s next for your site.

The post How TDCS and the Matrix Box Power Smarter Turbine Monitoring appeared first on SISO Engineering.

October 31, 2025

SnapShot v1.8 Launches with Major Upgrades for Turbine Operators

Latest release adds anomaly detection, on edge analytics, and multiple new dashboards to SISO’s flagship monitoring platform

HOUSTON, TX – SISO Engineering has officially released SnapShot v1.8, the latest version of its cloud-based remote monitoring and analytics platform built for gas turbines. This release delivers major enhancements to anomaly detection, reporting automation, and data processing architecture—all designed to help plants stay ahead of potential problems and operate more efficiently.

SnapShot has always been known for its real-time dashboards and expert-guided diagnostics. With version 1.8, those tools get smarter, faster, and even more actionable. The result: fewer blind spots, better performance visibility, and improved system health across the board.

New in v1.8
✓ Anomaly Detection – The new detection engine flags issues earlier by identifying abnormal patterns in key sensors and components before alarms are triggered. This allows teams to intervene days or even weeks sooner than legacy alerts would allow.

✓ Alarm History – The streamlined interface summarizes the alarms received to simplify troubleshooting and provide operators a clearer picture of how their units are trending over time.

✓ TDCS + Matrix Box Enhancements – SnapShot’s on-site Matrix Box now includes expanded TDCS features: an upgraded data engine with edge-processing capabilities, enabling higher-resolution signal capture and faster cloud uploads. This means better fidelity and quicker diagnosis, even at remote or bandwidth-limited sites.

✓ New Dashboards: Engine Start Monitoring for reliability assurance and Generator Bearing Health Monitoring to help identify rotating equipment wear before it escalates.

“SnapShot 1.8 is a direct result of what our customers have told us they need: earlier insights, faster reporting, and more proactive monitoring of turbine health,” said Max Erwin, CEO of SISO Engineering. “This release reflects our philosophy of building solutions that are aimed at answering real-world problems.”

Why Operators Are Upgrading
SnapShot 1.8 was built with input from SISO’s plant partners, many of whom needed more proactive visibility into fault trends, transient events, and start sequence behavior. These improvements deliver that clarity while reducing manual reporting burdens and enabling better long-term planning.

From peaker plants needing to spot wear patterns in startup behavior, to baseload units tracking performance curves, the new version equips teams to:

• Detect mechanical degradation early with physics-based modeling of anomaly patterns to identify outliers and help prevent unplanned downtime
• Reduce troubleshooting time with streamlined alarm history and improved alert monitoring
• Operate smarter and more confidently with real-time dashboards grounded in high-fidelity data, advanced edge analytics and dynamic dashboards

Built for SISO Customers, New and Old
Upgrades to v1.8 are available now for existing customers, and SISO’s support team is available to walk through the new dashboards and updated UI on request.

For new customers, SnapShot v1.8 sets a new standard for gas turbine visibility. Whether you’re modernizing an aging Mark VIe install or simply looking to make better use of existing sensor data, SnapShot is a low-overhead way to gain immediate operational insight.

For media inquiries
Kate Sias
[email protected]
+1.615.275.7077

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SISO Engineering is proud to announce that we have successfully achieved ISN® RAVS 360® approval—a milestone demonstrating our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in safety documentation, verification, and performance. SISO maintains an unwavering focus on safety, compliance and operational excellence across all engagements.

ISNetworld® is a leading global platform that connects owners, operators, and contractors within industries like power generation, oil and gas, and heavy infrastructure. For power plant operators, ISNetworld simplifies the prequalification process by verifying that contractors meet stringent safety, insurance, and regulatory criteria before ever stepping on site. This ensures engineering service firms, like SISO Engineering, align with each facility’s compliance and safety culture.

RAVS 360® (Review and Verification Services) represents ISN’s most rigorous level of review. It involves direct auditing and validation of a contractor’s written safety programs, training records, and implementation evidence. Achieving RAVS 360® approval distinguishes SISO Engineering as a verified, field-proven partner equipped to meet the demanding operational standards of power and industrial clients nationwide. This certification confirms that SISO delivers safe, reliable and trusted services to each client we support.

The post SISO Engineering Achieves ISN® RAVS 360® Approval appeared first on SISO Engineering.

Power plants don’t need more data. They need better data, delivered in a way that supports quick decisions under pressure. Version 1.8 was shaped by that reality. It adds automation, increases fidelity, and supports how gas turbine operations actually work.

What’s New in SnapShot v1.8

Anomaly Detection

SnapShot’s Univariate Anomaly Detector implements practical statistical methods on key sensors to highlight potential outlier values in both historical and streaming data. Quicker reaction time and avoided unplanned downtime.

Alarm History, Simplified

Alarm events are now grouped and labeled in a clearer summary view on Grafana. Easier troubleshooting. Faster compliance reporting.

TDCS Upgrades

The next-gen TDCS (Turbine Data Collection System) introduces several upgrades with Grafana integration. Version 1.8 adds real-time control system signal management through the Tag Wrangler app, making it easy to stream missing tags on demand. V1.8 also offers Analytics on the Edge which provides sub-second data access and advanced monitoring capabilities. Less uncertainty and clearer visibility for operators.

Engine Startup Monitoring

Version 1.8 provides operators with a closer look into the engine startup sequence, where modules track regulator handoffs, core speed, fuel flow and valve behavior. Identifying and correcting irregularities which occur during the startup sequence reduces hardware stress, prevents unplanned downtime and improves overall system reliability.

Generator Bearing Monitoring

SnapShot v1.8 monitors generator bearing vibration trends by combining OEM capability curves with real-time telemetry to detect when performance drifts beyond expected ranges. Visibility into gen bearing behavior helps operators prevent damage, ensure reliability and optimize efficiency, especially during high-load or transient conditions. Where time is money, v1.8 saves you both.

Built for How Plants Actually Operate

SnapShot doesn’t replace operator expertise. It’s designed to surface the right data at the right time. That way, teams can stay ahead of issues instead of reacting to them. Version 1.8 cuts manual work, improves reporting quality, and helps expose risks that used to get missed.

Our test sites are already seeing earlier fault detection and better diagnostic clarity.

CASE STUDY:

During routine monitoring, our performance evaluation dashboards detected a sharp degradation curve on the compressor over a short period of time. This trend signaled a loss of output and prompted SISO to direct the customer that a water wash was needed to recover lost megawatts. The data also pointed to dirty water infiltrating the HPC, which was an underlying issue that required immediate attention.

With the enhanced monitoring features in SnapShot v1.8, these insights were quickly and clearly identifiable. What might have once required extensive troubleshooting and manual diagnoses was identified in near real time, allowing the customer to act before experiencing significant performance loss or hardware damage.

Get Ready

SnapShot v1.8 launches October 31. For current customers, v1.8 is available as a paid upgrade. If you’d like to preview what’s new, or see how SnapShot fits your operations, reach out to us.

The enhancements of SnapShot v1.8 provide our customers with more than just upgraded tools and dashboards. V1.8 delivers a step change in visibility, reliability and efficiency. By unifying alarms and process data into a single platform, simplifying tag management, and introducing new means to analyze startup and bearing vibration, operators gain faster, clearer insight into asset health.

– Max Erwin, CEO and Co-Founder of SISO Engineering

The post Coming Soon: SnapShot v1.8 Brings Smarter Monitoring to the Field appeared first on SISO Engineering.

Here’s the challenge: Many of the engineers who built their careers around Mark VIe are no longer in the field. OEM support has narrowed. Documentation is often incomplete or outdated. The system is so well designed, it’s a black box. And when something goes wrong, delays cost money.

We built SISO to fill that gap.

We’ve Lived This System

Our team spent years in the field working directly on GE turbines. We installed, tuned, and troubleshot Mark VIe control systems in real-world conditions, not labs. We’ve seen the problems that show up during startup. We understand that trip logs don’t always reflect what operators experience in real-time.

This isn’t theory. It’s hands-on experience. Our work spans Frame and Aero units in both simple and combined cycle applications. Our project expertise ranges from commissioning on greenfield and brownfield sites to working with OEM logic and aftermarket modifications.

“The MarkVIe offers capabilities which surpass most other controls systems. Built by engineers for engineers, the MarkVIe provides the robust technical functionality required to manage critical assets, whereas these capabilities rarely exist in customer-oriented systems. SnapShot provides real time data across an entire facility which gives operators unified control, streamlined operations and enhanced performance for the whole plant.” – Max Erwin, CEO and Co-Founder of SISO Engineering

The Control System Is Just One Piece

Most turbine issues don’t live neatly in a single box. A control fault could trace back to a sensor drift. A logic bug might actually be a fuel system problem. That’s why we approach Mark VIe as one part of a larger operating environment. HMI, I/O, comms, regulators, software, hardware, transmitters and everything in between.

We support third party interface protocols. We know how to work around partial documentation. We help plants source critical spares fast, even when OEM timelines don’t cut it.

We focus on more than short-term fixes. Our work leaves your system stronger, more transparent, and easier to operate. We thrive in areas of unknowns.

SnapShot Turns Tribal Knowledge into System Insight

We designed SnapShot to build on what we already knew. It captures live data straight from your Mark VIe and turns it into something usable. Trend lines, regression analysis, alert patterns, startup profiles, all backed by human interpretation.

What makes it effective isn’t just the data. It’s how we read it. We look for early indicators that lead to failures: a regulator behaving differently, a startup drifting out of bounds, a pattern shift that indicates a deeper issue. We help our customers understand what MarkVIe is telling them in order to help them operate their plant more efficiently.

The Experts Are Leaving. We’re Still Here.

A lot of field knowledge is walking out the door. If you’re running a Mark VIe system, you’ve probably felt that already. Less support. Slower answers.

You don’t need to rebuild that expertise in-house. You just need the right partner.

SISO still knows this system inside and out. We’ve proven it site after site. And we’re not going anywhere.

Need help with your Mark VIe?
We’ll meet you where you are. Whether you’re chasing a trip, planning a control system upgrade, or just trying to understand your own alarm history. Reach us at [email protected].

The post The Mark VIe Still Sets the Standard. We Know It Better Than Anyone. appeared first on SISO Engineering.

At SISO, Kate will lead marketing initiatives that highlight our expertise in controls and automation, from digital campaigns to industry events. Working closely with leadership, engineering, and development teams, Kate will translate complex technical capabilities into compelling narratives that support our strategic growth.

Before joining SISO, Kate drove business development efforts at two of Houston’s leading law firms, helping expand client relationships and cross-selling opportunities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from The University of Texas at Austin.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys playing pickleball and arranging flowers for special occasions.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kate to the team and look forward to the impact she’ll make as we continue to grow.

The post We’re excited to announce that Kate Sias has joined SISO Engineering as our new Marketing Manager appeared first on SISO Engineering.

John brings extensive experience in software development and engineering, with a proven track record of delivering high-performance solutions across technical industries. His deep understanding of product lifecycle management, paired with a strong foundation in engineering principles, makes him a powerful addition to our team.

At SISO, John will play a key role in leading product strategy, optimizing development processes, and driving innovation for products like Snapshot and SmartWash. His leadership will help ensure our solutions continue to meet — and exceed — the evolving needs of our clients in the gas turbine and automation sectors.

We’re thrilled to have John on board and can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make as we continue to grow.

The post John Hicks Joins SISO Engineering as Product Manager appeared first on SISO Engineering.

Throughout the event, we discussed challenges and solutions related to Mark VIe systems, automation enhancements, reliability strategies, and upgrade planning. These conversations provided valuable insight into current industry demands and emphasized the importance of collaboration between operators, engineers, and service providers.

We appreciated every opportunity to connect—whether it was a technical deep dive or a casual conversation at our booth. For those we didn’t get to meet, our team is always ready to continue the conversation and help support your plant’s success.

A special congratulations goes to Ron Herrero, the winner of our booth raffle! Thank you to the WTUI organizers and all attendees for making this another productive and memorable event.

We look forward to reconnecting with the community next year.

The post WTUI 2025 Recap: Collaboration, Innovation, and Industry Insight appeared first on SISO Engineering.

We’re thrilled to welcome Meghan Wittorf to the SISO Engineering team as our new Vice President of Finance.

Meghan joined us in February 2024 and brings with her nearly two decades of experience in financial planning and analysis, cost accounting, and corporate finance. With a deep background in both the energy and technology sectors, Meghan is uniquely positioned to support SISO’s continued growth and operational excellence.

A graduate of St. Edward’s University, Meghan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, graduating Cum Laude in 2007. Her career has spanned a variety of leadership roles, including Corporate Controller at Luminare Inc., where she led financial operations and supported strategic expansion efforts. Prior to that, she held key finance and accounting positions at Data Gumbo Corporation and Murphy Oil Corporation.

At SISO, Meghan focuses on enhancing financial efficiency, strengthening internal controls, and supporting long-term growth strategies. Her strategic mindset and operational insight make her a critical asset as we continue to expand our services and capabilities across the gas turbine and automation industries.

Outside of work, Meghan enjoys early morning runs or strength training to kickstart her weekdays and loves to travel.

The post Meghan Wittorf Named Vice President of Finance at SISO Engineering appeared first on SISO Engineering.

As gas turbine sites face growing demands for data visibility and system protection, the latest Snapshot updates are designed to meet both operational and cybersecurity requirements head-on.

Key Enhancements Include:

• Alarm Forwarding: Real-time alerts delivered to mobile devices and desktops, enabling faster issue recognition and response across teams
• Remote Plant Monitoring: Mobile-friendly dashboards for viewing active alarms, system trends, and KPI data offsite
• Cybersecurity Integration: Improved firewall rules, user authentication protocols, and encrypted data streams to support secure cloud access and protect control system interfaces
• Snapshot Base Plan Enhancements: Improved asset review capabilities and extended access to remote support features for field and corporate teams

These upgrades position Snapshot as more than a diagnostic tool—it now functions as a remote operations dashboard, particularly useful for plants running distributed generation or mobile gas turbine packages.

Why It Matters:

With Snapshot 1.6 and 1.7, SISO clients gain tools to:

• Monitor turbine performance and health from any location
• Respond more quickly to alarm conditions
• Real-time trending with Grafana
• Strengthen protection against unauthorized access or data exposure
• Align with evolving compliance standards in critical infrastructure

As part of our broader service offerings, SISO continues to evolve Snapshot as a cornerstone of its capabilities in real-time analytics, automation support, and plant efficiency tools. New versions will further expand cyber integration, support for compliance reporting, and broader platform interoperability.

If you’re running a GE turbine fleet or any unit supported by Mark VIe or third-party PLCs, Snapshot now offers a flexible and secure way to stay connected—on-site or remotely.

The post Snapshot Platform Expands with Cybersecurity Features and Mobile Monitoring in 2024 appeared first on SISO Engineering.

Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Houston. Prior to joining SISO, he worked in the insurance industry, where he contributed to the development of systems designed to address complex business needs and improve operational efficiency.

At SISO, Courtney focuses on enhancing software performance, implementing secure architecture, and supporting cloud-based solutions that align with modern industrial requirements. His work supports the continued development of internal tools and client-facing technologies.

Outside of work, Courtney has a long-standing interest in automotive engineering, particularly in modifying and racing vehicles.

The post SISO Engineering Welcomes Courtney Koko as Senior Software Engineer appeared first on SISO Engineering.