In the 1980s, vendors and utilities were introduced to more standardized, interactive systems across larger networks, and SCADA use became common at utilities.n the power industry, SCADA is sometimes referred to as part, or all, of an EMS (energy management system). If connected to a power plant, it could be part, or all, of a GMS (generation management system). It also could be swapped with or added to a DMS (a distribution management system).