What is DCS in SCADA?

A distributed control system (DCS) is a type of control system used in industrial automation to control and monitor a process. It typically includes a central control unit, called a controller, which is connected to various field devices, such as sensors and actuators, that are used to collect data and control the process. SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) is a type of industrial automation system used to monitor and control industrial processes, often remotely. It typically includes SCADA software in a central computer system to collect and process data from various field devices, such as sensors and actuators. SCADA system information is displayed on a human-machine interface (HMI) for operators to view, monitor and help make decisions about controlling the process. In SCADA systems, DCSs are often used as the control system in the field for control of the process and communication with the field devices. The SCADA system, on the other hand, provides the supervisory level and human-machine interface, and provides the higher-level control and monitoring of the process. In summary, DCS is a type of control system that is used to control and monitor industrial processes, while SCADA is a type of industrial automation system that is used to monitor and control industrial processes, often remotely. DCSs are often used as the control system in the field, while the SCADA system provides the supervisory level and human-machine interface.

What are the three types of SCADA?

The three types of SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) are local SCADA, remote SCADA and distributed SCADA.

What is HMI in SCADA?

HMI stands for human-machine interface, a graphical interface in SCADA systems that allows interaction between the operator and the SCADA or process control system.

Is a SCADA system the same as an HMI?

SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and HMI (human-machine interface) are related but distinct concepts. SCADA is a type of system used to monitor and control industrial processes, while HMI is a graphical interface within a SCADA system that allows operators to interact with and monitor the process. In other words, HMI is a component of a SCADA system. SCADA software may run in an HMI. SCADA systems typically include a variety of components, including sensors, control devices, communication networks and software for data acquisition (DAQ), analysis and reporting.

DCS, SCADA, Controllers | Control Engineering

DCS, SCADA, Controllers January 3, 2023

Control Engineering hot topics, December 2022

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in December 2022 included stories on HMI/SCADA systems and solutions, MQTT, SI Giants and System Integrator of the Year winners and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra

DCS, SCADA, Controllers December 12, 2022

Developing a sustainable SCADA solution for global agribusiness

A global agribusiness developed a sustainable supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for their company.

By Inductive Automation

A Rockwell Automation PlantPAx Solution was integrated with FactoryTalk Batch software suite from Rockwell Automation, including key procedures and direct signatures for a system integration project involving a pharmaceutical manufacturer. Reports are created in Infobatch by Informetrics Systems Inc. Courtesy: Rockwell Automation, CFE Media’s New Products for Engineers Database

DCS, SCADA, Controllers November 27, 2022

Integrating a DCS into an existing process cell

A distributed control system (DCS) needed to be installed in a process cell for a pharmaceutical company, but the process required an overhaul to the systems and standards in place to make it work.

By Christopher Rudd and Randy Otto

DCS, SCADA, Controllers November 24, 2022

HMI/SCADA systems: Upgrade your migration

When upgrading human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software, don’t just create a new version of the old. Enable workers with advanced HMI/SCADA capabilities after migration. See five tips for optimizing HMI/SCADA screens.

By Travis Cox

The infrastructure on the vessels subscribed to the Purdue Model of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, which meant the information was protected and could travel up the chain.

DCS, SCADA, Controllers September 8, 2022

Modernizing SCADA vessel control systems with Ignition

Setting out to make better use of data and workflows in the remote, a maritime company adopts data-driven technology.

By Arlen Nipper

Courtesy: Iconics, New Products for Engineers Database

DCS, SCADA, Controllers August 25, 2022

Top 10 modern SCADA system features

A modern supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system should be designed to help manufacturers take advantage of digital transformation and should run on modern technology.

By Thomas Burke

DCS, SCADA, Controllers August 2, 2022

Benefits of integrating a MES system with SCADA

Integrating supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems with manufacturing execution systems (MES) can help transfer usable information and utilize it to create future improvements.

By Dante Augello

Stone Shi is executive editor-in-chief, Control Engineering China. Courtesy: Control Engineering China

DCS, SCADA, Controllers March 6, 2022

From DCS to OCS: A change in process control system

Compared to a traditional distributed control system (DCS), an industrial optical bus control system (OCS) has a lower investment cost of automation, shorter installation time and reduces control system maintenance costs.

By Stone Shi

Courtesy: Russelectric, New Products for Engineers Database

DCS, SCADA, Controllers February 18, 2022

Four reasons why manufacturers should upgrade their SCADA systems

Engineers should take another look at their supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to see how much more modern systems are able to help organizations achieve their Industry 4.0 goals.

By Thomas Burke