Distributed and Supervisory Control Systems (DCS / SCADA)

Distributed and supervisory control Systems (DCS / SCADA) are system architectures for process control applications. A distributed control system (DCS) consists of a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is networked both to other controllers and to field devices such as sensors, actuators, and terminals. A DCS may also interface to a workstation. A SCADA system is a process control application that collects data from sensors or other devices on a factory floor or in remote locations. The data is then sent to a central computer for management and process control. SCADA systems provide shop floor data collection and may allow manual input via bar codes and keyboards. Both distributed control systems (DCS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems often include integral software for monitoring and reporting.

There are several parts to a supervisory control and data acquisition system or SCADA system. To control SCADA, a SCADA system integrator, SCADA security, and SCADA HMI are required. A SCADA system integrator is used to interface a SCADA system to an external application. SCADA security uses one or more computers at a remote site to monitor and control sensors or shop floor devices. SCADA security includes remote terminal units (RTU), a communications infrastructure, and a central control room where monitoring devices such as workstations are housed. SCADA HMI is a human machine interface (HMI) that accounts for human factors in engineering design.

Distributed control systems (DCS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are used in a variety of industries. Distributed control systems or DCS systems are used to control traffic lights and manage chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and power generation facilities. Supervisory control and data acquisition systems or SCADA systems are used in warehouses, petrochemical processing, iron and steel production, food processing, and agricultural applications. Providers of distributed control systems (DCS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are located across the United States and around the world.

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