What is SCADA? What does SCADA mean? And Functions of SCADA Systems
What is SCADA?
SCADA stands for “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition”. SCADA is a type of process control system architecture that uses computers, networked data communications and graphical Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to enable a high-level process supervisory management and control. SCADA systems communicate with other devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and PID controllers to interact with industrial process plant and equipment.
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) is a system of software and hardware elements that allows industrial organizations to:
- Control industrial processes locally or at remote locations
- Monitor, gather, and process real-time data
- Directly interact with devices such as sensors, valves, pumps, motors, and more through human-machine interface (HMI) software
- Record events into a log file
SCADA systems are crucial for industrial organizations since they help to maintain efficiency, process data for smarter decisions, and communicate system issues to help mitigate downtime.
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A Basic SCADA Diagram
Functions of SCADA Systems
In a nutshell, we can tell the SCADA system is a collection of hardware and software components that allows the manufacturing units to perform specific functions. Some of the important functions include
- To monitor and gather data in real-time
- To interact with field devices and control stations via Human Machine Interface (HMI)
- To record systems events into a log file
- To control manufacturing process virtually
- Information Storage and Reports
Who Uses SCADA?
SCADA systems are used by industrial organizations and companies in the public and private sectors to control and maintain efficiency, distribute data for smarter decisions, and communicate system issues to help mitigate downtime. SCADA systems work well in many different types of enterprises because they can range from simple configurations to large, complex installations. SCADA systems are the backbone of many modern industries, including:
- Energy
- Food and beverage
- Manufacturing
- Oil and gas
- Power
- Recycling
- Transportation
- Water and waste water
- And many more