For some years now, power generation and distribution have been undergoing major changes. The innovation cycles (where operating equipment and communication media are concerned) are getting ever shorter, and the market is becoming increasingly deregulated. The systems used to monitor power supply equipment and processes must take account of these changes. When new products are used, user-friendliness and interfacing to various communication media are important features. SICAM PAS (Power Automation System) meets all the demands made of a distributed substation control system – both now and in the future. Amongst many other standardized communication protocols SICAM PAS supports the new IEC 61850 substation standard for communication with bay devices. SICAM PAS is an open system and – in addition to standardized data transfer processes – it features user interfaces for the integration of system-specific tasks and offers multiple automation options. SICAM PAS can thus be integrated with ease in existing systems and can be used for system integration too. With modern diagnostics, it optimally supports commissioning and maintenance. SICAM PAS is clearly structured and reliable, thanks to its open, fully documented and tested system.