What is scada? Definition and Details paessler com/it-explained/scada it explained: scada back to index Content

Data acquisition
In SCADA systems, data acquisition refers to the process of collecting data from remote
sensors (inputs) and transmitting it via field controllers to a central control hub. Types of
sensors include motion, temperature, pressure, and vibration sensors. The collected data
is processed and analyzed and may be used to control actuators (outputs) remotely.
Examples of actuators are servo motors, stepper motors, pneumatic cylinders, LEDs, fuel
injectors, and solenoids. Data acquisition systems are also used to predict future events,
for example by monitoring weather patterns to predict potential natural disasters like
floods.
Process control vs process automation
A SCADA system is a type of process control system (PCS) – sometimes referred to as
an ICS – and a type of process automation system (PAS). Process automation and
process control are interconnected.
The term process automation refers to the use of various technologies to automate
specific processes that may include numerous repetitive, complex, or dangerous tasks at
a high level. Examples of process automation are the automated monitoring of and
reporting about system performance or the automated bottling and boxing of beverages in
a factory.
The term process control may have two different meanings depending on the scenario. In
the first scenario, the term may be used to refer to the control and monitoring of simple
events or devices like the level of liquid in a bottle. In this sense, a PCS may refer to a
physical device like a fill level sensor. In the second scenario, the term may refer to the
monitoring and control at a high level of a complex automated system. In this scenario, a
PCS may refer to the software and interfaces that enables operators to monitor numerous
automated processes and respond to alerts and notifications, for example that the bottling
machine has overheated. In this sense, process control ties all elements of an automated
process or processes together.