Supervisory control and data acquisition, or SCADA, is a term used for complicated networks composed of both hardware and software components that are frequently found in industrial settings. Though these industrial processes are generally meticulously planned out by their creators, there are nevertheless always vulnerabilities that come with such a complex endeavor. SCADA systems help to streamline these needs by utilizing a layered approach to automation.
SCADA Systems: Their Manifestation and Uses
Supervisory control and data acquisition systems, denoted by the singular acronym SCADA, are complex systems that are usually found in industrial settings such as in water or waste control systems. (Loshin) Though there are many different industrial control systems, SCADA are one of the most common kinds found across a variety of industries. They can be purchased “ready to go” from vendors such as Emerson Electric in the United States or Schneider Electric in France. (Mehra) SCADA systems work by using sensors and actuators to both control the automatic needs of the industrial system and to log these instances of control. Then, different kinds of SCADA field controllers interface with the sensors and actuators to log telemetry data and to control slightly higher-level processes, as needed. Next, supervisory computers and HMI software streamline the process on an even higher level, by controlling all SCADA processes as whole, sending commands or modifying data as needed. There is also a communication infrastructure layered on top as well, communicating in real time with the industrial field’s devices. (Loshin) This means that SCADA can respond immediately to issues that may arise in both a prompt and cohesive manner.
How SCADA Systems Mitigate Vulnerabilities
Complicated industrial processes have long become far too involved for a human network to be able to handle, thus automation is essential in industries such as waste and water management or telecommunications. The main way that SCADA systems work towards decreasing issues with industrial control systems is streamlining the automation process in an effective way. Furthermore, their very popularity helps to mitigate vulnerabilities: the hardware and software used in SCADA systems are widely supported and have strong availability. SCADA vendors, knowing the widespread use of their product, also have strong support systems in operation, as well as strict adherence to industry standards. (Overview, Enterprise Automation) Though there are certain threats to the omnipresence and security of SCADA systems, such as “unauthorized access to software” as well as a troubling gap in security protocol, the efficiency and scalability of SCADA systems remain unparalleled in the industrial industries. (SCADA Systems)
Conclusion
There are many reasons to appreciate the layered and scalable approach that SCADA systems in today’s world have, however the main benefit that they seem to give is the adaptability that they grant. There have been SCADA systems around since the 1960s, however as the technological world has changed with each great step forward, they have adapted every step of the way. The common modern use of cloud computing, as well as the constantly updated protocols that ensure streamlined automation show that despite some threats to their security, SCADA systems are still an advantageous approach to automation in the industrial sector.
References
Mehra, A. (2023). SCADA market. Market Research Firm. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/scada-market.asp
Loshin, P. (2021, December 16). What is SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition)?
WhatIs.com. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from
Overview. Enterprise Automation. (2023, February 24). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from
SCADA systems. SCADA Systems. (2023). Retrieved March 19, 2023, from
http://www.scadasystems.net/