Kaden Koskovich
Data is one of the most important parts of a project or operation. It acts as a foundation, or a starting point, from which to build something presentable and impactful. Data also acts as a way to monitor your operations. Making sure everything is up to code and nicely secure in any operation requires data. There are many ways to obtain this precious data. One such way is the SCADA system. Utilizing this system in the day to day process of any operation can make it run more smoothly, efficiently, and securely.
What is SCADA?
SCADA is an acronym that stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. The SCADA system is a type of data collection system that’s typically used in factories, manufacturing centers, power plants, and various types of critical infrastructure. The system allows for the viewing and analysis of data in real time. The SCADA system is made up of multiple parts: RTUs, PLCs, Networks, and Operators. RTU stands for remote terminal unit, and the PLC stands for programmable logic controller. RTUs and PLCs are connected to the sensors monitoring the ongoing processes of your operation. They convert the raw sensory readings into data that can then be transmitted to the supervisory system. The network is the communication infrastructure connecting the sensors, RTUs, and PLUs to the supervisory system. Once the data has been collected and transmitted through the network, it can be viewed by an operator. An operator is the on site, or offsite, technician monitoring the operations processes.
SCADA’s Uses?
SCADA can be found in many places. An example of an operation SCADA would be used to monitor is the daily processes of a power plant. SCADA could be used to monitor the conditions of the plant as well as its energy production. This system would help detect problems with the plant. Sensors would send data of the energy output to the operator through the network. If there is an anomaly, the operator would then take steps to identify and resolve the problem.
Critical infrastructures, such as the power plant, can be delicate or fragile. Disruption of critical infrastructures can be disastrous since they affect the livelihood of entire cities, states, and even nations. This can make them perfect targets. A malicious individual could easily access most common infrastructures due to the fact they are everywhere. A water main, for example, could be disrupted; diverted; or even polluted by a motivated enough person. The SCADA system helps defend against this. The system being able to monitor the conditions of the water pipes allows for an almost immediate awareness of someone tampering with the water flow. The real-time data help greatly improve the response time to active threats sabotaging critical infrastructure.
The SCADA system is a very useful tool in monitoring the day to day processes of any operations, and as a result of the real-time capabilities of the system, threats to the critical infrastructure that supports nations can be mitigated and dealt with swiftly.
References
~Beal, V. SCADA – supervisory control and data acquisition. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SCADA.html
~An Introduction to SCADA Systems – Technical Articles. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/an-introduction-to-scada-systems/
~SCADA Systems. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from http://www.scadasystems.net/
~What is SCADA?. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.inductiveautomation.com/resources/article/what-is-scada