on video PLC vs SCADA - Difference between PLC and SCADA

 PLC vs SCADA - Difference between PLC and SCADA

What is the difference between PLC, DCS and SCADA

Currently there are two main stream types of control systems – PLC-SCADA and Distributed Control Systems (DCS).

DCSs were traditionally used to control large processes, while PLC systems were used to control machines. Since the introduction of PC Windows-based SCADA systems and Ethernet networks, the dividing lines between DCS and PLC-SCADA systems have become blurred.

PLC-SCADA solutions cater to meet specific client needs but require extensive work to manage the associated complexity of the PLC and SCADA software. A PLC-SCADA solution is characterized by its open nature, flexibility, complexity and can be considered to be a blank canvas.

Today, you will learn the difference between a SCADA system and an HMI. We will talk about the differences as well as the similarities, and also when each is used. There is usually some confusion because of the similarities.

SCADA stands for “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.”

These are used for monitoring and controlling large areas, typically an entire site or plant.

SCADA systems are a combination of many systems including sensors, RTUs or Remote Terminal Units, and PLCs.

Data from all of these systems is then sent to the central SCADA unit. This SCADA unit has its own HMI. This is why a lot of people get confused and think SCADA and HMI are one and the same.

That HMI or “Human Machine Interface” unit on the SCADA can monitor and control anything that is connected to it. In conclusion, HMI can be part of SCADA but SCADA cannot be part of an HMI. It's that simple.

 PLC vs SCADA - Difference between PLC and SCADA

What is the difference between PLC, DCS and SCADA

Currently there are two main stream types of control systems – PLC-SCADA and Distributed Control Systems (DCS).

DCSs were traditionally used to control large processes, while PLC systems were used to control machines. Since the introduction of PC Windows-based SCADA systems and Ethernet networks, the dividing lines between DCS and PLC-SCADA systems have become blurred.

PLC-SCADA solutions cater to meet specific client needs but require extensive work to manage the associated complexity of the PLC and SCADA software. A PLC-SCADA solution is characterized by its open nature, flexibility, complexity and can be considered to be a blank canvas.

Today, you will learn the difference between a SCADA system and an HMI. We will talk about the differences as well as the similarities, and also when each is used. There is usually some confusion because of the similarities.

SCADA stands for “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.”

These are used for monitoring and controlling large areas, typically an entire site or plant.

SCADA systems are a combination of many systems including sensors, RTUs or Remote Terminal Units, and PLCs.

Data from all of these systems is then sent to the central SCADA unit. This SCADA unit has its own HMI. This is why a lot of people get confused and think SCADA and HMI are one and the same.

That HMI or “Human Machine Interface” unit on the SCADA can monitor and control anything that is connected to it. In conclusion, HMI can be part of SCADA but SCADA cannot be part of an HMI. It's that simple.