Those who are considering taking up SCADA system for their organization need to understand the different features it offers and how it can be integrated and made to work for an organization. Though data collection, analytics and measurement are required in different functions and departments, the need and the use of such data differs and hence, one needs to understand the features of a SCADA system in order to plan out the integration of the same with their existing system.
Those who are new to the concept of SCADA systems, these are data collection and control systems that offer supervisory control of data collection, measurements and management. Hence, the system not only has the features of data collection, meuarement, analytics and others, the supervisor or specified lines of control can be specified in such a system which is essential for maintaining the integrity of data usage in large organizations.
Usually any SCADA system comes with a database. The database systems have store and search software built in as well as a log controller that is programmable. These features allow assimilation as well as classification of data to be done easily. The network administration of the system is easy as the program builds in control points that can be distributed in different ways as per the needs of a department or organization. Usually remote access as well as use of, data or human and machine interface can be inbuilt into these systems. The software can be put in autonomous mode or the automatic mode is suspended when human inputs are required. There are secured access points created for certain individuals who are given the right to access data, modify the same and process data as well. Often a master station is determined in this system where the servers that house the software will allow for as well as monitor communication with field points or equipments that gather data. |