| A SCADA (supervisory control and data | | | | direct-wire control is not useful (for example, a |
| acquisition) system is a system that consists of a | | | | communication link important component of the |
| number of remote terminal units (RTU) that | | | | system). |
| collect the field data and connected back to the | | | | SCADA successful installation depends on using |
| station master through the communication | | | | proven and reliable technology, with |
| system. | | | | comprehensive and adequate training of staff in |
| Accurate and timely data (usually a real-time) | | | | the operating system. There is a history of failed |
| provide optimization of the operation of the plant | | | | SCADA systems - factors that contribute to this |
| and process. Another advantage is more efficient, | | | | system, including inadequate integration of the |
| more reliable and more important, safe operation. | | | | various components of the system. |
| All this results in the operating cost is lower | | | | Today hardware reliability is less of a problem, but |
| compared with the previous non-automated | | | | the increasing software complexity is producing |
| systems. | | | | new challenges. It should be noted in passing that |
| There is a reasonable level of confusion between | | | | many operators judge a SCADA system not only |
| the definition of SCADA systems and process | | | | by the smooth performance of the RTUs, |
| control systems. SCADA have additional remote | | | | communication links and the master station (all |
| control or remote operation. The question is not | | | | falling under the umbrella of SCADA system) but |
| how 'far' - that usually means more of a distance | | | | also the field devices (both transducers and |
| so that the distance between the location and | | | | control devices). |
| control of the location controlled very large | | | | |