Many industrial organizations are automating their production processes and facilities to manage their globally distributed computer systems. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) is a crucial part of the systems enacting automated control, which also includes other complex hardware and software components.
SCADA is a software application specifically designed to support data collection systems. In addition to collecting the data, the SCADA system can redirect, process, and display information regarding equipment status and other important parameters of the monitored system.
OPC/DDE servers or dedicated input/output drivers are employed by SCADA control systems to enact communication between objects and equipment. Most popular programming languages such as C++ and Visual Basic, can be used to program SCADA systems.
Operator and engineering workstations (PCs) are where the SCADA systems are most often installed. At the heart of all SCADA systems is a network of industrial controllers and sensors. These sensors and industrial controllers monitor and process information as well as control various technological processes such as alarms, protection, and locking systems. This forms the lower level of the industrial control system. The SCADA system takes the information gathered by the sensors and presents it to operators in visually user-friendly formats. This is the higher level of the control system and allows the operators to take action based on the collected data.
SCADA systems form the top level of the industrial automation software and hardware hierarchy.
Current SCADA systems perform a number of functions that can be divided into several general groups:
- Installing SCADA for specific tasks such as development of the software components of the automation system.
- Automatic control of system components
- Automated dispatch management
- Performing system-wide functions such as security
- Historical preservation of process information
SCADA connections virtualization problem
SCADA systems are typically built around remote access and port virtualization technologies. Developing these systems can be a time-consuming and costly undertaking. This task can be simplified by integrating Eltima Port Virtualization Technology (EPVT) into their SCADA systems rather that writing their own data redirection routines.
Efficient and simple solution to add remote access to SCADA
Eltima’s Port Redirection Technology can become an important component of your SCADA system. Using EPVT allows you to virtualize remote devices such as controllers, sensors, PCs, and industrial equipment and share them over the network. When integrated into your SCADA software, EPVT enables communication between a system’s main data center and all of its remote hardware. EPVT becomes an integral component of your system, connecting systems and devices across the network. EPVT is a flexible package that can be used with any operating system and features additional functionality that allows it to operate with many industry-specific technologies.
The advantages of integrating Eltima Port Virtualization Technology into SCADA systems:
The developers at Eltima Software have over 15 years of experience implementing virtualization technology for serial and USB connections. Our specialists can help you integrate dedicated Port Virtualization Technology in SCADA systems of any complexity.
EPVT provides your SCADA system with the ability to communicate between your software and any type of enterprise equipment.
EPVT can optimize your SCADA system and facilitate the development of a robust installation that can help any company automate their production process and reduce costs.