What is Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)?

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a control system architecture that uses computers, networked data communications and graphical user interfaces for high-level process supervisory management, but uses other peripheral devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLC) and discrete proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers to interface to the process plant or machinery. SCADA systems are used to monitor and control industrial processes, infrastructure, and facility-based processes, as described below: * Industrial processes include manufacturing, production, power generation, fabrication, and refining, and may run in continuous, batch, repetitive, or discrete modes. * Infrastructure processes may be public or private, and include water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, oil and gas pipelines, electric power transmission and distribution, and communication systems. * Facility processes occur in both public and private facilities, including buildings, airports, ships, and space stations. They monitor and control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), access control, and energy consumption.