In this following article, you will understand the difference between PLC and SCADA. PLCs and SCADA systems are both vital components of industrial automation, yet they provide different function and are employed in various contexts. Let learn the difference between SCADA and PLC to better understand about this topic.
What is SCADA?
SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is a software and hardware system that monitors and control industrial processes. SCADA collects data from the PLC and generates historical trending, reporting and alarms. They are used to monitor and regulate large scale industrial operation like electricity generation, water treatments, and manufacturing. SCADA can also communicate with other system like MES, ERP and DCS.
What is PLC?
PLC(Programmable Logic Controller), is a device that is installed to monitor system sensors and collect data and critical information about how the system is operating. A PLC can also do simple operations, such as triggering outputs when it approaches predetermined limitations. it's a useful piece of hardware that can withstand harsh environment where advanced capabilities and real time functionality are required. PLCs can control complex industrial processes such as monitoring motors and machinery.
SCADA Vs PLC | Difference between SCADA and PLC
- SCADA stands for Supervisory control and data acquisition, whereas PLC stands for Programmable logic controller.
- SCADA is a graphical user interface for operator to access and monitor processes, PLC monitors and controls industrial processes.
- SCADA provides an interface between PLC and the operator, PLC often used in conjunction with SCADA systems.
- SCADA can be used for monitoring the data of the control logic in PLC, PLC can be used for simple to complex control logic.
- SCADA more focused on visualization and operator interface, PLC more focused on control functionality.
- SCADA uses a visual programming interface for creating graphical displays and alarms, PLC can be programmed with ladder logic or other programming languages.
- SCADA can provide a broader view of the overall process and historical data, PLC operates in real time, with fast processing speeds and precise control.
- SCADA can control and monitor entire industrial processes across a large region, whereas PLCs can only operate and monitor individual equipment or machines.
- SCADA provides access to monitor the status of these high speed control loops, PLC can handle high speed control loop and precise control.
- SCADA is often used for any type of process control system for data gathering, PLC often used for discrete manufacturing operation.
- SCADA is a simple workstation. We can add some level of redundancy components in the computers. PLC has built in safety and redundancy features.
- SCADA software also support various protocol for interfacing with PLC, PLC can be configured to interface with other systems using standardized protocol like Modbus, Profibus, etc.
- SCADS can be used to control and monitor entire industrial processes over a wide area, PLC can be used to control and monitor specific equipment or machinery.
- SCADA can provide real time and historical data on the sensors and actuators, PLC can be integrated with sensors and actuators to control equipment and machinery.
- SCADA is also used by engineers to know the status of the plant production. PLC can be used to control and optimize the production process.
- SCADA can provide overall view of the plant operations and improved decision making for operators, PLC can operate independently or as part of a larger automation system.
- SCADA is a programming software that can be installed in industrial grade computers, but the PLC has a compact and rugged design, suitable for industrial environments.
- SCADA can be deployed for small to larger operation that require complex and comprehensive monitoring and control, PLC is a cost effective solution for small to medium sized operations.
- SCADA does not have input and output modules, PLC has input and output modules for controlling the plant.
- SCADA can be used to track plant data for compliance with industry rules, and PLCs can be programmed to communicate with other systems via standardised protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, and so on.