Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems help increase efficiency by gathering, processing and maintaining data in real time for smarter decision making. Besides this they also communicate system issues to help identify any problems to avoid or minimize losses.
The basic SCADA architecture starts with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). PLCs and RTUs are in turn getting input from various sources such as factory machines, HMIs, sensors, and terminal devices; and then communicate information from those objects to the main controller running with SCADA software. This SCADA software in turn processes, distributes, and presents data to help operators analyze data and make critical decisions.
Human Machine Interface (HMI)
Acts as the main interface between humans and machines. A Human Machine Interface (HMI) product must contain the electronics and programming necessary to help an operator control, operate and get input from the automation device it is installed on, in an industrial environment.
The HMI, like the other machinery and instrumentation, must be of the specification according to the environment it is being installed in. For example, an industry that requires SIL 2 standards must have SIL 2 standard HMIs to ensure smooth operation.
Distinguishing Features
The advantages of installing an HMI system in your plant are:
Alarm/Alert (Warnings)
Overall factory management
Improved communication
Accurate testing and simulation
Reliable Communications
User Friendly
