SCADA Factory & Laboratory Automation Software

Our definition of SCADA or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition software is:

• Computer based 
• Alarms 
• Data acquisition
• Operator interface
• Non real-time control
• Database and Log Files
• Reports and Information Sharing

Computer Based

We feel that SCADA software must have all possible types of connectivity and integration.  This means serial ports, Ethernet, PCI slots, and the ability to run a wide variety of applications.  PLCs and simple operator interfaces (i.e. not based on the regular Windows operating system) are too limited in their functionality and capabilities.  Click for industrial computers or Visual Basic and C#. 

Alarm and Event Monitoring

A SCADA system must be able to detect, display, and log alarms and events.  When there are problems the SCADA system must notify operators to take corrective action.  Alarms and events must be recorded so engineers or programmers can review the alarms to determine what caused the alarm and prevent them happening again. 

Data Acquisition

SCADA must be able to read data from PLCs and other hardware and then analyze and graphically present that data to the user.  SCADA systems must be able to read and write multiple sources of data.  Click here for more on data acquisition. 

Operator Interface

A SCADA system collects all of the information about a process.  The SCADA system then needs to display this data to the operator so that they can comprehend what is going on with the process.  Click here for more on operator interfaces. 

Non Real-Time Control

For simple control requirements, the SCADA system should be able to perform control instead of a PLC.  However, for anything other than simplistic control we prefer a PLC or soft PLC to do the real-time control with SCADA doing the non-real-time control.  The SCADA system is the medium between the operator and the real-time controller.  It allows the operator to control the system, such as start a new batch, load a new recipe, etc. 

Databases and Data Logging

Most applications require recipes, data logging, and other means of reading and writing databases.  The great thing about SCADA systems is that they can log incredible amounts of data to disk for later review.  This is helpful for solving problems as well as providing information to improve the process.  Many different methods should be available including, plain text, binary fixed column, Comma Separated Variable (CSV), XML, Excel, Access, SQL, SQL Server, ODBC, web services. 

Reports and Information Sharing

What good is a SCADA system and all this information if you can't share it with others?  Some of the reports overlap with the previous description of databases and data logging.  For example, your users might prefer that you put the results into an Excel spreadsheet or database so that they can use their own tools for creating the report.  Or the users might want you to create reports in Microsoft Word format. 

You also must share data with other users.  Such as windows sockets, web server, and web services.  These three methods would allow almost every computer around the world be able to access and use the information provided they have the correct permissions. 

SCADA Software Links

• Computer - PLC communications

• Afcon (P-CIM) 

• Citect 

• Genesis by Iconics

• Intellution 

• Think & Do  

• US Data Factory Link 

• Visual Basic and C# 

• Wonderware 

We try to offer a fair and balanced opinion on every page of our website.  We would appreciate more information from other users to express their opinions which we will then incorporate.  If you have questions or comments please post them on our message board (see button in left hand column) so that others can read and benefit.