One of the most defining projects in my career was my role as SCADA developer in the Flemish Tunnel and Control Center in Antwerp.
This control center was created to meet the operational demands of the Trans European Road Network and to enable centralized monitoring of all tunnel installations in Flanders. In its final form, the system became one of the largest SCADA based tunnel monitoring platforms in Europe, operating with roughly 150,000 external data points.
From concept to operational reality
The control system was built using evon XAMControl, with the Flemish government agency Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer acting as owner and operator. The system went live in its initial configuration in 2016 and has since been expanded step by step.
As part of Tein Technology, I worked as a SCADA developer on the implementation and long term evolution of this platform. My role was not limited to configuration. It required deep technical understanding of tunnel operations, operator workflows, and the realities of twenty four seven control room environments.
What my role involved
My work focused on translating complex tunnel infrastructure into a reliable and scalable SCADA system. This included developing and extending core SCADA functionality, integrating new tunnel installations, and ensuring that the system could grow without compromising stability or operator usability.
A key part of my responsibility was working on the logic and visualization that operators depend on during normal operation and during incidents. This meant building clear and consistent screens, implementing alarm handling that supports fast decision making, and ensuring that technical states are presented in a way that matches how operators think and act.
I was also involved in integrating advanced system components such as workflow driven incident handling, scenario management, and centralized supervision of distributed tunnel systems. These elements are essential in large scale environments where human error must be minimized and procedures must be followed consistently.
Working on a nationwide system
One of the most innovative aspects of XAMControl is that it combines the flexibility of an integrated design environment in C# and .NET (IT) with the combination of a virtual PLC (OT) which made into a very versatile and powerful SCADA system. You could make REST and SOAP interfaces and even scenario management screens and as well program classic PLC functional blocks.
In parallel, a dedicated training environment was developed. This allowed operators to train on realistic scenarios without impacting live operations. Supporting such a setup meant designing the SCADA system in a way that could be safely duplicated, isolated, and reset while remaining functionally identical to production.
Integration beyond tunnels
The system was never intended to exist in isolation. Beyond tunnel supervision, it was designed to integrate with other central platforms. One of the most challenging and rewarding integrations was the connection with the video management control center. This brought live visual context into the SCADA environment and significantly improved situational awareness for operators.
Contributing to these integrations strengthened my expertise at the intersection of SCADA, IT infrastructure, and operational technology. It also reinforced my belief that modern SCADA systems are no longer standalone automation tools but core digital platforms within critical infrastructure.
Why this project still matters to me
This project shaped how I approach engineering today. It taught me how to design systems that must work every day, under pressure, and without excuses. It also showed me the value of close cooperation between developers, operators, and authorities.
Being a SCADA developer on this system was not about writing code alone. It was about responsibility, long term thinking, and building something that millions of people rely on everyday without ever noticing it. That is the kind of engineering I am proud to stand behind.