Why becoming a certified integrator sets you apart (Streamline Control’s take)

Streamline Control is a Calgary-based systems integrator with over a decade of experience and a one hundred percent success rate in delivering modern industrial control systems. Specializing in real-time OT/IT solutions, Streamline’s core industries include oil and gas, particularly midstream, along with renewables such as solar O&M and emerging data center projects. The team is known for blending deep controls expertise with product-quality front ends that operators actually enjoy using.

We recently spoke with Systems Analyst Tom Chenier to learn how Cirrus Link’s technology, support, and certification have helped Streamline win larger projects, deliver faster, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

 

The integrator advantage in IIoT

Industrial teams don’t just need software, they need trusted builders. That’s where certified integrators come in. Cirrus Link’s IIoT certification recognizes integrators with proven, real-world MQTT/Sparkplug and Ignition experience so end users can move from idea to production with confidence.

The early bet that became a pillar

Streamline leaned into MQTT + Ignition before most. It was actually Peter Boyle at Streamline Control that introduced Arlen Nipper, CTO of Cirrus Link to Inductive Automation. That head start turned into a durable advantage:

“MQTT and Ignition became a pillar of our business. Being early, and then certified, gave us a competitive edge.” — Tom Chenier

Certification with Cirrus Link didn’t change Streamline’s DNA; it validated it. It also connected them with people who speak OT (PLC/SCADA realities), which shows up in proposals and architectures.

“The team at Cirrus Link are very knowledgeable experts in industrial real-time systems and use-cases. That practical support matters.”

Why customers choose Streamline

Streamline Control has earned its reputation through experience. Over nearly a decade of delivering MQTT- and Ignition-based systems, the company has built a proven track record of success across oil and gas, renewables, and other industrial sectors. Their referenceable projects, many of which have become long-term partnerships, demonstrate not only technical depth but also a consistent ability to move from proof-of-concept to production at scale.

A key differentiator is Streamline’s commitment to production-grade user experiences. While many integrators stop at functional, Streamline invests in UI/UX design that makes complex systems intuitive for operators. Their Ignition Perspective front-ends are built by specialists, not borrowed controls engineers, so the finished systems feel polished and easy to use. 

As Tom puts it, when clients see the interfaces during demos, “we’re on the shortlist.”

That demo-first mindset runs deep. Streamline often creates custom simulators and tailored walkthroughs that mirror a customer’s real environment—whether that’s vessels on a ferry network or assets across a pipeline. These accelerators make it possible to visualize scale, performance, and data flow before deployment, helping stakeholders understand exactly what they’re buying and how it will evolve.

Just as important is Streamline’s pragmatism around cost and architecture. The team avoids unnecessary complexity or upselling, instead focusing on the most effective and maintainable design for the application. 

“We’re accountable for what we build,” says Tom. “No fluff—just the right system.” 

That straightforward approach has become a cornerstone of their brand, especially in industries where trust and follow-through matter more than buzzwords.

In the small, reputation-driven world of industrial integration, trust is currency, and Streamline has earned plenty of it. Their repeat business, peer recognition, and acquisition by SGS (with the Streamline name intentionally retained) speak to the credibility they’ve built through consistent quality and results.

Where Cirrus Link fits: the supporting role that matters

While Streamline’s expertise drives their success, their long-standing relationship with Cirrus Link has amplified it. 

IIoT Certification through Cirrus Link provides an external signal of credibility that aligns with what customers already experience: deep MQTT and Sparkplug proficiency backed by real-world implementation.

Beyond certification, Cirrus Link’s OT-aware guidance gives Streamline a valuable sounding board. Whether refining a proposal, troubleshooting an architecture, or validating design assumptions, they can reach out to people who understand PLCs, SCADA, and the nuances of industrial data movement. That shared language makes collaboration efficient and relevant.

There’s also a feedback loop that strengthens both sides. As Streamline delivers projects, their on-the-ground insights often feed back into Cirrus Link’s product roadmap, helping shape new capabilities that better serve integrators and end users alike.

It’s a partnership built on mutual respect, practical feedback, and a shared goal: making MQTT and Sparkplug deployments more accessible and robust across industries.

“Certification wasn’t just a badge; it helped us deliver faster and win bigger, without changing who we are.” 

The bottom line

Whether you’re building the next generation of industrial systems or helping others do it, the right partnerships make the difference.