Download our free SCADA tutorial.
An introduction to SCADA from your own perspective.
1-800-693-0351
Have a specific question? Ask our team of expert engineers and get a specific answer!
Sign up for the next DPS Factory Training!
Whether you're new to our equipment or you've used it for years, DPS factory training is the best way to get more from your monitoring.
Reserve Your Seat TodaySCADA stands for Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition, a computer system SCADA computer system gathers and analyzes real-time data. Such systems were first used in the 1960s.
The SCADA industry was created due to the need for a user-friendly control system containing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC SCADA). These networks allow remote monitoring and control of an amazing variety of industrial devices to keep your system operational at all times. Some of them are oil and gas pipelines, track switches, and traffic signals.
One of the key processes of these systems is the ability to monitor an entire system in real-time. Data acquisition is responsible for that. It includes meter reading and checking the statuses of sensors. These data points are communicated at standard intervals depending on the system.
Besides the data being used by the RTU, it is also displayed to a human. The human is able to interface with the system to override settings or make changes when needed.
SCADA monitoring equipment can also be seen as a system with many data elements called points. Each point is a monitor or sensor and these points can be either hard or soft. A hard data point can be an actual monitor. A soft point can be viewed as an application or software calculation.
Data elements from hard and soft points are usually always stored and logged to create a timestamp or history.
In essence, this supervisory system has two elements. They are:
The process/system/machinery you want to monitor and control. For example a power plant, a water system, a network, a system of traffic lights, or other field devices.
A network of intelligent SCADA devices that interfaces with the first system through sensors and control outputs. This network gives you the capability to measure and control specific elements of the first system.
SCADA monitoring systems can be used to manage many kinds of gear. Typically, to automate complex industrial processes where human control is impractical. Around the world, this system is used in many industries. These include:
Manufacturing and industrial plants: SCADA systems manage parts inventories for JIT manufacturing. They also regulate industrial automation and robots. To ensure good output, they monitor process and quality control.
Buildings, facilities and environments: Facility managers use SCADA to control devices. These include HVAC, refrigeration units, lighting and entry systems.
Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution: Electric utilities use SCADA systems to detect two key things. Those things are the current flow and line voltage. They monitor the operation of circuit breakers. They also take sections of the power grid online or offline.
Water, water treatment and sewage: State and municipal water utilities use SCADA to monitor and regulate water flow. They also track reservoir levels and pipe pressure.
Mass transit: Transit authorities use SCADA to regulate electricity to subways, trams and trolleybuses. They also automate traffic signals for rail systems. They can track and locate trains and buses with it. They can also control railroad-crossing gates.
Traffic signals: SCADA regulates traffic lights, controls traffic flow and detects out-of-order signals.
There are three main elements to a SCADA-based system:
RTU's (Remote Telemetry/Terminal Units).
Communications.
HMI (Human Machine Interface).
Each RTU collects information at a site. Communications bring that information from the various plant or regional RTU sites to a central location. They also occasionally return instructions to the RTU.
Communication within a plant is conducted by data cable, wire or fiber-optic. Regional systems most commonly utilize radio. The HMI is basically a PC system running powerful graphic and alarm software programs.
The HMI displays this information in an easy to understand graphics form. It archives the data received. It transmits alarms and permits operator control as required.
A SCADA network consists of one or more HMI - also called Master Station. These are utilized by staff to monitor and control a large number of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). The HMI is often a computing platform, like a PC, which runs remote SCADA software. The RTUs are most likely small dedicated devices that are hardened for outdoor use and industrial environments. The RTUs monitor equipment and send logged information to the master.
As we saw earlier, there are several parts of a working system. These systems usually include signal hardware (input and output), controllers, networks, user interface (HMI), communications gear and software. Altogether, the term SCADA refers to the entire central system.
The central system usually monitors data from various sensors that are either in close proximity or off-site (sometimes miles away). This is all part of the SCADA remote monitoring system.
These functions are performed by several kinds of SCADA system components:
While SCADA systems are effective for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, they have several limitations:
These limitations, while addressable with the right system, highlight the need for careful planning and ongoing updates to maintain a secure and efficient SCADA system.
Your HMI software should display information in the most useful way. This allows your human staff to oversee operations. Your master should also regulate your managed systems.
The following are some HMI essentials:
Flexible and programmable response to sensor inputs.
Look for a system that provides easy tools for programming soft alarms. Soft alarms report complex events that track combinations of sensor inputs and date/time statements. Soft controls (programmed control responses to sensor inputs).
24/7, automatic pager and email notification
Why pay personnel to watch a board 24 hours a day? If equipment needs human attention, the master can automatically page or email directly to repair technicians.
Detailed information display
You want a system that displays reports in plain English. You need a complete description of what activity is happening and how you can manage it.
Nuisance alarm filtering.
Nuisance alarms desensitize your staff to alarm reports. Your people can start to believe that all alarms are nonessential alarms. Eventually, they may stop responding even to critical alarms. Look for a master that includes tools to filter out nuisance alarms.
Expansion capability
A SCADA system is a long-term investment that will last for as long as 10 to 15 years. So you need to make sure it will support your future growth for up to 15 years.
Redundant, geo-diverse backup
The best SCADA systems support multiple backup masters in separate locations. If the primary master fails, a second master on the network automatically takes over. There is no interruption of monitoring and process control in this SCADA system.
Support for a lot of protocols and equipment types.
Early SCADA systems were built on closed, proprietary protocols. Single-vendor solutions aren't a great idea, vendors sometimes drop support for their products or even just go out of business. Support for a lot of open protocols safeguards your system against unplanned obsolescence.
Reliability and robustness.
These systems are used for mission-critical industrial processes where reliability and performance are paramount. In addition, specific development is performed within a well-established framework that enhances reliability and robustness.
Maximize productivity.
Maximizes productivity and ensures continuous production. SCADA's design is centered on multi-level redundancy to ensure constant communication and operation of your system.
Improve product quality
Analyzes and controls the quality of manufactured products using standard SCADA functionality. This includes the Statistical Process Control (SPC). Advanced statistical alarms allow your personnel to perform predictive calibration of process parameters. This prevents out-of-limit deviations before they occur.
Reduce your operating and maintenance costs.
Through the deployment of a centralized SCADA real-time system, you can significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs. This means fewer people are required to monitor field gear in remote locations.
This results in increased operator effectiveness and fewer maintenance trips are required. This results in decreased maintenance and training costs.
Integrate with your business systems.
A SCADA system can be easily integrated with your existing business systems, leading to increased production and revenue. In addition, this system implementation allows you to transform, analyze, and present real-time information. This info travels throughout the enterprise for prioritized action.
Preserve your capital investment.
When you spend money to improve operations, you need to ensure prolonged use. SCADA's open system design protects against control system obsolescence. It can be easily scaled to meet growing demands on your operations.
There are five phases in creating a functional SCADA system:
The DESIGN of the system architecture includes the communication system. Also involved in this initial phase will be any site equipment that is not currently in existence. It will be required to monitor desired parameters.
The SUPPLY of RTU, communication, and HMI gear consists of a PC system and the powerful graphic and alarm software programs.
The PROGRAMMING of the communication gear, and the powerful HMI graphic and alarm software programs.
The INSTALLATION of the communication equipment and the PC system. The previous task is typically much more involved.
The COMMISSIONING of the system, where communication and HMI programming problems are solved. The system is proven to the client. Operator training and system documentation are also provided.
A complex SCADA system can be complex to configure. However, it is most likely much easier to operate.
As demonstrated in this "What is SCADA?" guide, building the right system for your business isn't simple. There are also opportunities to save money and improve efficiency that you don't want to miss. It's hard to learn everything you need to know and still perform your daily job.
DPS Telecom can help you plan your SCADA implementation, with expert consultation, training, and information resources. We build telemetry gear with the capabilities you need. Because we are committed to helping you get the best system for your specific needs.
