| The use of complex machinery and equally | | | | Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) – |
| difficult processes has called for efficient Control | | | | These are specialized computers which are highly |
| systems that can monitor multiple tasks | | | | useful in Factory automation and can easily |
| employed in various industries in order to maintain | | | | control machines or assembly lines along with |
| their productivity level and ensure smooth flow of | | | | performing a number of functions like basic relay |
| operations. The technological advancements has | | | | control, motion control, process control, and |
| made it possible and given the solution in terms of | | | | complex networking. |
| Automation. | | | | Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) – They |
| Automation combines the use of Control systems | | | | are control systems in which Controller elements |
| and information technology applications to provide | | | | are distributed throughout the system to monitor |
| Automation solutions to different industrial needs. | | | | different equipments in which communication is |
| Industrial Automation has become a key to save | | | | maintained by a control network. DCSs are |
| costs as it allows simultaneous functioning of | | | | primarily used to control manufacturing process in |
| several tasks reducing dependency on workers | | | | pharmaceutical industry, oil refining, petrochemicals, |
| and is highly beneficial in manufacturing processes. | | | | cement production, etc. |
| Process Automation is another type which | | | | Human-Machine Interface (HMI) – HMI is an |
| factory & plant owners utilize to operate | | | | interface that facilitates the communication |
| efficiently. It not only allows monitoring several | | | | between humans and the machines with the help |
| production factors but is also capable of | | | | of Input and Output components. Input devices |
| suggesting suitable strategy using measurements | | | | are used by humans to give the instructions to |
| stored in computer programs. Process | | | | perform whereas outputs tell about the execution |
| Automation ensures less wastage and forecasts | | | | of commands or related updates to humans. HMIs |
| maintenance requirement which accounts for their | | | | are generally used to interact with PLCs. |
| high efficiency. | | | | SCADA System - An industrial Control system, |
| Automation Control has benefited organizations | | | | SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data |
| and humans to a great extent in the way it has | | | | Acquisition and involves a number of sub- |
| made complicated tasks easy to carry out. | | | | components including HMI, PLCs, Remote Terminal |
| Automation systems can be used to fulfill varied | | | | Units and a supervisory system. It is used Data |
| requirements in manufacturing process and deliver | | | | Collection, control and management. A SCADA |
| the best results in terms of monitoring. | | | | system allows easy and fast retrieval of data as |
| Automation employs different types of Tools like: | | | | and when required. |