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

---

1/16
What is SCADA? Definition and Details
paessler.com/it-explained/scada
IT Explained:
SCADA
Back to index
Content
1. What is SCADA?
2. Why is SCADA used?
3. Where is SCADA used?
4. How does SCADA work?
4.1 SCADA levels
4.2 SCADA points
4.3 Supervisory control center
4.4 Central control hub
4.5 SCADA and PLC programming
5. SCADA components
5.1 Field devices
5.2 RTUs, IEDs, and PLCs
5.3 MTU
5.4 SCADA network communications and protocols

---

2/16
5.5 HMIs
5.6 Storage devices
6. Core SCADA features
6.1 Supervisory control
6.2 Industrial control systems (ICS)
6.3 SCADA telemetry
6.4 Data acquisition
6.5 Process control vs process automation
6.6 SCADA alarming
7. SCADA vs IIoT
8. SCADA evolution
8.1 Centralized protection and control systems (CPS)
8.2 SCADA generations
8.3 SCADA migration
8.4 App-based SCADA systems
9. SCADA standards and guidelines
10. SCADA security
11. SCADA benefits
12. SCADA limitations
13.SCADA monitoring with PRTG
14. Sources
What is SCADA?
SCADA systems automate the extraction, monitoring, processing, distribution, recording,
and display of data gathered from remote field devices like sensors, factory machines,
motors, pumps, valves, and other end devices in asset-heavy environments like industrial
enterprises, manufacturing facilities, nuclear power plants, and oil refineries.

---

3/16
SCADA system development involves the programming of routines and applications to
automate responses to events based on metrics gathered and processed through a
supervisory control center, comprising a communication network, user interfaces, device
controllers, client and server computers, and storage facilities.
SCADA systems are not full-control systems and perform limited supervisory control
functions. They monitor and gather metrics like pressure, temperature, flow rate, pH,
cycle time, and volume. Metrics are used to measure the performance and efficiency of
industrial processes, quality of data and products, and compliance with manufacturing
standards and regulations. Automated SCADA command controls respond to input data
to regulate and control the state and behavior of field devices, like adjusting temperature
at a data center. 
SCADA systems are used by machine operators and IT administrators at central hubs to
view through human-machine interfaces (HMIs) information about the behavior and state
of remote equipment, for example a leaking pipeline, and manually control devices
remotely. 
Some of the key providers of SCADA systems are Schneider Electric, Siemens, Rockwell
Automation, Mitsubishi Electric, and Emerson Electric.