SCADA and HMI systems have become very important for industrial use. They tie up all components of automation into powerful visualization for use by operators and management. They have made work 20 times easier since they help in the following ways:
- Monitoring processes and machine status
- Control of machines and processes (perfect for hazardous and remote areas)
- Minimized unnecessary movement and routine checks hence keeping employee productivity high
- Data logging
- Alarms (process and machine warnings & errors)
- Quick diagnosis (from visualization, and alarms) hence less downtimes
- Predictive maintenance that comes from monitored anomalies and warnings
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a system that aims to monitor and control field devices at your remote sites. A full SCADA system consists of:
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) or Remote Terminal Units (RTU)
- HMIs: often as seperate field components
- Computers/Command Centre with SCADA software
- Communication networks
The remote location can span a few metres to thousands of kilometres. Logged data can be integrated into MES and ERP systems. Altogether, SCADA is a system that has software and hardware elements used to remotely control processes, interactions, and monitor and record data through PLCs and HMIs.
DCS: Distributed Control Systems are somewhat similar to SCADA (data-gathering-oriented), but DCS puts more emphasis on processes and typically contains one or more computers to control several individual process components. With DCS operations are almost always controlled onsite rather than remotely.
HMI
A human-machine interface is a user interface or dashboard that allows the human operator to interact with a machine. HMIs are not part of a particular software but is used for people to communicate with a machine or device. Mainly, HMIs help users monitor data and control machines with the touch of their fingertips through devices, such as:
- Touch screens
- Buttons
- Levers
- Computer mouse
- Keyboard
SCADA systems can function without an HMI, although having one is often recommended. This way, the operator can understand how to communicate with the system and receive any warning and error notices that need to be addressed. HMIs are very helpful with diagnosis and mitigating downtimes.
DATABASE INTEGRATION AND WEB-BASED ANALYSIS
While SCADA and HMIs are helpful in logging and presenting data, a more powerful approach in the form of web-based applications will open up managers to a richer and in-depth analysis. Business intelligence will stem from these applications and help managers to make informed decisions and hence run a sustainable business.
With web applications, you can get reports on data collected by SCADA on any device connected on the network using a standard browser. Information and trends on energy usage, downtimes, efficiency, out-turn, input, output etc., are some of the useful data that can be presented on a web application.
Being aware of what is going on in your factory floor is the only way you can maximize efficiency, and to predict, catch and eliminate problems quickly. HMI, SCADA, DCS and web-based analytical systems help in this regard by presenting data, errors, warning and analysis. This will free you from having to repeat these tasks, hence keeping productivity at the optimum.
At Easeus solutions, we will help you build HMI, SCADA, DCS and web-based analysis systems that fit directly into your operations.