What is SCADA?

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is an acronym for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. SCADA is a computer-based system that collects and analyzes real-time data to monitor and control equipment related to critical and sensitive materials or events. The system consists of software and hardware that allows for remote and on-site data collection from multiple industrial devices to be displayed in a single location.

Key components of a SCADA system

SCADA has a structure that works together in many parts. Each part performs a different function as a system, which is the transmission of data between devices and sending it to the SCADA software to display in graphical form. There are 3 main components:

• Programable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Remote Telemetry / Terminal Units (RTUs)
• Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)
• Communication

SCADA System Operation

PLCs and RTUs act as data collection points, interpreting the data to a remote or on-site HMI and sending control commands back to the industrial equipment or machinery. The human operator accesses the data through an HMI, which may be in the cloud or on its own server. The software translates the data and presents it in a way that is easy for the operator to understand quickly and easily, analyze and respond to alarms. Some SCADA systems also have the option of automatic control operations and automated reporting tools for easy reporting.