PLC vs SCADA vs DCS

[@tanvvichaudhary23]

Must say, your explanation is as simple as it can get. I am working for a company and planning a marketing strategy for their automation products. Even though I am an electronics engineer, I have never tread tht technical path so I had to rely on internet for my research and product and segment understanding. I have found your videos so so useful that now I have better clarity and understanding as to how to approach things further.

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you Tanvi! When you get a chance join our Discord server www.intellic.online/discord

[@alfredojrflores9810]

K.I.S.S. = keep It Short & Simple - straight forward & yet detailed explanation, thank you

[@Muuccss]

so clear and concise, I love having defined terms lol. Do you have any learning recommendations for an industrial electrician attempting to find an *official* instrumentation tech position?

[@4.0Solutions]

There are many vendor trainings, but we recommend anyone in this space to Learn IIoT and set yourself apart! go to IIoT.University to take our free mini-course and join our community Discord Server!

[@asa07x]

Thank you for the excellent explanation! The use of specific analogies and examples was also very helpful.

[@4.0Solutions]

You're very welcome!

[@vusalgozalov]

Thanks. By the way you look like Hank from Breaking Bad

[@sharvarishirke5336]

And for the first time I actually understood the difference! Thanks a lott:)

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you!

[@MarkMcMillen2112]

Walker didn't describe it very well and made several mistakes. There's a RealPars video that does a better job.

[@qzh00k]

SCADA was more a term used for line pipe or power line monitoring and management used by utility companies. As a former EMC DCS controls engineer we could hook to anything.

[@4.0Solutions]

100%

[@syahirahshukri7148]

Sir, what is the application of SCADA? And what are the types of remote stations used for SCADA? Thank you sir.

[@4.0Solutions]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-zmKqDgLWNhc0

[@highschoolteenagevlogervlo6003]

Very nice and informational video! One small question, can both SCADA and DCS be controlled remotely ?

[@4.0Solutions]

DCS systems are not typically designed for wide-area networks like SCADA, they can still be controlled remotely with the right infrastructure.

[@SportsF.P]

Sir do you have more video about PLC & Scada if yes kindly paste the link I want to learn more about that

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad this was helpful for you! We will be doing some additional whiteboard lessons soon, but if you are looking for practical, basic information, you might take a look at this channel as well > kzbin.infofeatured

[@GMSR24]

Great explanation. at 4.35, it was mentioned that ETHERNETs are not used for DCS communication But I would like to add that Honeywell DCS EPKS uses only ETHERNET for their communication.

[@ntcuong01ct1]

1 MES can control multiple SCADA in a plant, right?

[@4.0Solutions]

Yes

[@flamencoguitarist2024]

I did my engineering in Electrical back in 2004, I am into IT for 18 years now and forgot almost everything I studied in college days,... then I saw your videos... they are tempting me to revise SCADA, PLC, MATLAB, EMS, etc... wish I had your KZbin videos back in early 2000's.. amazing yet simple explanations!!

[@samsondavid3595]

What the hell is he talking about?

[@4.0Solutions]

LOL.

[@abdullahammar1503]

Thank you very much for your great explanations. Now I am more understand about PLC Vs SCADA Vs DCS 🤗.

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad to hear that!

[@generalengineerph3574]

Very Good explanation. Proud Electrical Engineer here

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad to help!

[@komailbutt2998]

Thank you very much for answering my question. I am literally surprised to see my comment in your video. Thanks again Sir.

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you for the great question Komail! Keep them coming!

[@komailbutt2998]

Sure Sir.

[@nurulnajihah5871]

What are the benefits of using the SCADA, DCS and PLC?

[@akmalsyazani4342]

Oooo

[@4.0Solutions]

See what is Digital Transformation video on our channel Nurul!

[@ciah5998]

Hi sir! May I ask something? So from your video, it means that PLC is under SCADA, and SCADA is under DCS or I'm wrong? 🤔 But, between SCADA and DCS, which one is better i mean from their safety, technology and others, and why? 🤔 Other than cars, can we find DCS in other daily applications too? 🤔

[@4.0Solutions]

PLC is under SCADA. DCS is is own thing. DCS can also be integrated into SCADA. Check out the IIoT Mini-Course to learn more www.intellic.online/iiot-mini-course

[@sarahaina7856]

Sir, so what is the difference between i/o system and fieldbus?

[@4.0Solutions]

Great question!

[@norfarishamasturafissol7729]

Thank you, Sir. Sir, if PLC system has problem, does it give us an alarm like SCADA system does? Thank you, Sir.

[@4.0Solutions]

Yes it does! If you configure it to do such.

[@nuramyliyaazahari4566]

A really great video to understand about this topic !! Good job sir !!

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad you liked it!

[@shahidiqbal5273]

Dear Sir, I have around more than 10 years of field experience in the E&I works where i am directly involved in handling field instrument connected with different PLC and DCS based control system...... Your lectures are always upto the mark, I want to do some research where the conventional SCADA with even OPC or ERP cost can be reduced using IoT cloud........ Could you please guide me in this direction.... .. My area of interest is AI, Embeded system.. microconterollers, Arduino, Resbarry Pi.... Etc.......

[@4.0Solutions]

Reach out to [e-mail] and our team can help.

[@farraadeebah423]

in the vid, it mention abt the PLC change the output on a certain condition. my question is how can it change the output? does it have a disturbance in the system? and is it a big change or a small change ?

[@4.0Solutions]

It will change it's output based on what all of it's inputs are and the logic that it runs to determine what it's outputs should be based upon it's inputs. Think of it like a "black box"

[@ahmedmohamedhassan1033]

Thanks very much , It was very helpful

[@ImSuperGoodAtDancing]

Damn... I’m super early. 😐

[@4.0Solutions]

Going live Tomorrow morning! #whiteboardwednesday

[@dalilaanuar9127]

Thank you sir for your explaination! But mind to explain what do you mean by DCS acting as the turnkey?

[@4.0Solutions]

It is pre-configured out of the box. No setup / programming required.

[@angelrivera3192]

I like the target of video but your explication is poor, and I thing you must update

[@mohammadalifaimanshamsukam1910]

SCADA and DCS is quite similar but what is the sligh difference between them??

[@4.0Solutions]

Check out part II! Link in the description above.

[@nurulsyairahmohdfadzil5041]

Sir, may i know what makes DCS more beneficial than SCADA ? and what is example of SCADA's application ? btw thank you for the video, it helps a lot :)

[@4.0Solutions]

Hi Nurul! Have you seen this video yet? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-zmKqDgLWNhc0

[@AlexArizaNadjar]

Fantastic video, thank you very much

[@lejlamony]

Hi. I need scada for on grid solar plant 155kw where to buy it.

[@stevelockett926]

I'd suggest that the significant difference between these Basic Programmable Control Systems (BPCS) is in the way in which the PLC and DCS are programmed, and this stretches back to their respective geneses. Using a programming "language" analogy, PLC programming, even with the implementation of IEC61131-3, is effectively machine code. It processes very fast, perfect for factory automation situations and simple PID control, but it takes a very long time to implement the type of complex computational code to the degree required by process automation, since everything literally has to be "hand-crafted" from scratch. DCS on the other hand, is akin to programming with a higher-level language. Analogue values just are analogue values once an analogue input has been instantiated in the code. There's no faffing about with bits and signing, like there STILL is with PLC code, even when working in the closest 61131-3 implementation by way of Function Blocks. With most DCS programming/configuration, it's just jump straight in and start manipulating real numbers in code as one wishes, perfect for highly complex processes. As for SCADA? It's a glorified old-school control-room panel whose present-day equivalent is a HMI. Here, the presenter is on the money when it comes to the assimilation of various sources of data and, typically, it sits over a variety of sources such as PLCs, RTUs, and even single and multi-loop panel-mounted controllers (where the latter still may exist). The HMI of a DCS never used to be able to integrate 3rd-party OT sources like dedicated SCADA can. For example, MODBUS transfers would usually involve a dedicated DCS controller card and a communication interface to suit. However, the last time I had anything to do with the ABB 800XA, this SCADA-like HMI was capable of displaying PTX camera feeds, among other things. I'm certain that in the 14 years since, the line between DCS HMI and SCADA has become further blurred in function, with the difference really coming down to the best bang per buck for the predominant BPCS being employed.

[@4.0Solutions]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nanairdiana2929]

Sir why all tesla is using DCS. And how about the other cars?

[@4.0Solutions]

Yes they are all most likely using a combination of all of them.

[@paulkomba944]

Fine I got u well

[@RakeshSingh-pl9xx]

Tq sir for beautiful explanation

[@4.0Solutions]

Thanks Rakesh!

[@robbrod4134]

These are shallow ok answers ! the meat is in the microprocessor and architecture built of the electronics motherboard between the DCS and PLC, While the SCADA is only a software. PLC s can be designed more rugged and fault tolerance and redundant than the DCS(more like computer based). examples like Triconex, Triplex, Hima, etc...

[@4.0Solutions]

It's designed for a lay person to be able to understand. Thanks for commenting!

[@santimccluskey3733]

This guy looks like the haired version of Hank Shrader

[@SaddamHossain-oq6ci]

Good class

[@fatinfatihah2357]

Thank you sir , I'm very clear about DCS, SCADA and PCL .

[@4.0Solutions]

You are most welcome

[@nuramyrasyafiqahnorhisham741]

Thank you sir for the explanation especially at the end of the video. It gives more impact on understanding the differences between PLC, SCADA and DCS. However, may I know the examples of field bus that you've mentioned in 4:45?

[@4.0Solutions]

You are most welcome

[@coldeasy7759]

Thanks for the great explanation. Very easy to understand!

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@muhammaddanialhaikalbinnor2422]

Thank you so much sir for your clear explanation. It is really helpful for me to understand it better.

[@4.0Solutions]

You are most welcome

[@ammarraeszahari6520]

Thanks Sir for helping me in gaining more knowledge about the PLC, DCS and SCADA.😄

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad to help

[@silverdoggg]

Best Explanation of these systems thank you

[@4.0Solutions]

Thanks! 🙏

[@miked8278]

Your explanations are great, but I think you are oversimplifying DCS due to your limitation of Siemens. If you look at Honeywell Experion, Emerson Ovation, the DCS systems are very scalable, and are often customized. Your description sounds like packaged skids that are usually limited to subsystems like compressors and dryers. DCS' controllers tend to be proprietary for the simple reason of how so many controllers can integrate together. Applications tend to become less like a collection of PLC's, and more like a unified system where the location the pieces of a program execute is nearly transparent to the Engineer and the operator. PLC''s and SCADA systems tend to integrate by tables, EDS definitions, and parallel databases that must be kept synchronized either manually, or by batch update functions. DCS's allow changing of the shared data and links without having to re-compile, or shutdown a process. They allow dynamic connections and re-sizing of peer-to-peer and HMI without having to shut down a controller. Some DCS's like Honeywell Experion have the advantage of being able to in-activate one small chunk of logic and load a new control scheme to update it without having to reload/ reboot a whole controller, and it is transparent to the engineer building the logic, or technician trying to troubleshoot a problem. A DCS system also tends to have a master system database. Enterprise level data for historians (PI, PHD, Kepware), can be obtained from one source regardless of the location of the actual device that contains the data. The DCS also has much more capability in their "SCADA/HMI" component for supervisory control, and peer-to-peer control eliminating dependence on the server. HMI stations also collect alarming and data independent of their SCADA or HMI servers so that network or server issues will not interrupt the connection between the operator, supervisory control, and the field device. Too often, especially with older SCADA systems and some Allen Bradley networks, and Devicenet, minor changes can force either the shutdown of the communication network, or rebooting of the controller or SCADA server just to add communications to a new device. DCS systems are much more flexible about integrating new devices.... but the price they pay is proprietary communication architecture, and an architecture that tightly integrates the controller configuration with the enterprise system. There are also two kinds of SCADA systems that people don't realize. The original SCADA systems were mainly for very remote simple control such as water distribution, or power distribution over very slow networks (i.e.1200 baud ... not kbaud or MB over leased telephone lines) to substations miles away. They grew to handle more sophisticated water and power transmission and Distribution , and eventually power plant dispatch. The other kind of SCADA system is what has been created in the process control world by steeling the architecture of SCADA systems. Your definition applies and is why the process control industry adopted the architecture of SCADA systems since they handle real-time data with multiple HMI screens, alarming, security, and historical data capture. Even DCS systems like Ovation and Experion now use SCADA architecture as their "front end" processor for communication, and HMI servers. They just then tightly integrate it into their proprietary control system network. PLC/HMI systems tend to be a small local pair. A Panelview to a PLC. Maybe two or three PLC's, but managing the parallel databases for them to communicate (produce and consume) becomes more tedious. Rockwell with their Factory Talk, and Schneider (Modbus) have tried to address this by making a tag-based architecture, but it is still rooted deep in the process, and requres a PLC reboot to change the tables significantly. SCADA systems as you described correctly have the ability to talk to almost any open standard device and concentrate the data into one server database to serve up to HMI stations, Supervisory controls, Data collection and aggregation and common alarm systems. They take scattered controllers and bring them together for simplifying the life of the operator, HMI support, Data analysists etc... They however still have to have a specific method to synchronize their communication databases with the PLC's or RTU's that they talk to that must be managed as a separate task. DCS's don't need to worry about keeping databases synchronized. As you build it in the PLC, it is built in the SCADA system dynamically without requiring to reboot or reload anything. I hope this is helpful to others. Mike Dougherty Industrial Design Control Solutions, Inc.

[@4.0Solutions]

We tend to Oversimplify for our audience! Thank you for sharing Mike!

[@harshrajsanghvi6723]

Thanks for explaining it in a simple manner. Would like to understand, where does MES and Historian fit into this ecosystem?

[@samirelzein1095]

Loved it, so clear, the dude knows exactly what he s talking about.

[@4.0Solutions]

Thanks!

[@muhammadhakimi250]

Sir whats the difference between SCADA and DCS ??

[@4.0Solutions]

Have you seen part II?

[@rodolforodriguez70]

Finnally somebody that actually can explain this matter Thank forbthe excellente video

[@MarkMcMillen2112]

I keep hearing you say things about a DCS that are simply incorrect. Let's get the basics down, a DCS is a Distributed Control System that isn't really distributed much. A DCS is not "process specific". Any DCS can be used for a wide range of processes. There are certain systems that were developed for a specific process or industry, such as the GE Mark VI (turbine control), but even those can be used for other processes as well. I suppose there are some very niche processes that have a very specialized controller platform that is used for that purpose only (burner management comes to mind), but you are grossly misleading people when you say things like a DCS is "process specific". It's just not true. Also, RIO nodes rarely communicate with other RIO nodes. I'm not saying this doesn't exist but it's certainly not the most common way it works. The processor is where the code runs that determines what to do with the I/O. In reality, a DCS is poorly named because the control, or processing, is not distributed very much at all. It's actually concentrated in a few Controllers. Normally, a DCS does NOT come "pre-programmed". Perhaps for some very specific applications, it may, but there are literally thousands of systems installed or upgraded every year that have to be custom engineered and programmed for the process they serve. Let's say a chemical plant is installing a new batch reactor and needs a new DCS to control it, so they call up Emerson and order a new DeltaV system. That system will consist of a ProPlus server, and Engineering station, Operator stations, a Processor, I/O cards and some software, but NO CONFIGURATION. The configuration for that batch reactor has to be customized for that specific process. Few industrial processes are alike enough to allow for a "canned" program to run them all. The ONLY time you get a pre-configured control system is when you order a complete machine from an OEM, but guess what, the OEM had to configure that control system. Emerson, Honeywell, ABB are not in the business of guessing what the control scheme will be for batch chemical reactors. The backbone of most all DCS's (and PLC's for that matter) are Ethernet these days. In the past they were different protocols over copper wire (like token ring). To name just a few, Honeywell Experion, DeltaV, ABB, Bailey, Foxboro, Siemens, GE Mark VI, Yokogawa. How about naming some that do not use Ethernet? There are certainly bus technologies available that connect I/O to the DCS, but this is merely to reduce the cost of copper wiring individual loops. Profibus, Modbus, ASi, Fieldbus...etc. And these are anything but "blazingly fast", I can assure you. What systems are you talking about that differ from this?

[@4.0Solutions]

Thanks for the question Mark! We responded in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faPYf2iJZp1gp6s

[@KuHaniff_Pak-Su]

thank you sir. your explanation is very clear

[@4.0Solutions]

You are most welcome!

[@muhammadatif1696]

Thanks walker!

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you!

[@alianajeeha8952]

Thank you sir for the great explanations..it really helps me to understand more about the PLC,DCS and SCADA😊

[@4.0Solutions]

Happy to help!

[@henriquesantana8948]

Great explication.

[@beerman081]

Phenominal

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you, Buchanon!

[@salu190]

is Delta V a DCS?

[@4.0Solutions]

Yes

[@carolinabanos4590]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad you liked it!

[@ImSuperGoodAtDancing]

Worth the wait good job Bud!

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you!

[@balqissidayu]

Thank you sir... Your explanation is very clear and it very helpful for my understanding... Thank you sir...

[@4.0Solutions]

You are most welcome!

[@Lopanfernando]

Good explanation

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you, Anirudh!

[@madihahabdrauf326]

A great explanation, thank you so much!

[@4.0Solutions]

You're very welcome!

[@wateroverwifi]

Finally someone who explains it plainly

[@tomato3347]

Great explanation great teacher thanks

[@4.0Solutions]

Thanks!

[@archieengineer9942]

Great video

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@youriregnaud8461]

Is answer to question 2 (Thingworx as DataLayer) is available on video?

[@4.0Solutions]

The short answer is no. Here is the answer on video (with timecode) kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIGuhqanfr6IisU

[@plc2_ir]

Thank you very much❤

[@nuruluyunahmad1254]

Thank you Sir!

[@4.0Solutions]

You are welcome!

[@studyhard128]

Awesome!

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad you think so!

[@oscilopp3353]

great! now I understood it. Thank you.

[@4.0Solutions]

Great!

[@rizwanzafar9809]

Thanks very much Sir for such good explanation.I actually understood the difference for the first time.

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you Rizwan!

[@anissuffia8690]

Thankyou sir for the great explanation. Your explanation give me more understanding.

[@4.0Solutions]

Happy to help

[@nureenamni3175]

Thank you so much sir for the video..it help me alot in my subject

[@4.0Solutions]

It's my pleasure

[@nursyahirahnazir3792]

Thank you sir for the explanation it give me more understanding about difference between SCADA PLC AND DCS.

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you! Make sure to watch this video next kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-zmKqDgLWNhc0

[@sohailjanjua123]

Hi, I like your lecture.Thanks

[@4.0Solutions]

Thanks!

[@diyanaderaman5337]

sir can we decide which one is better between these 3? btw thank you for your great explanation sir:)))

[@4.0Solutions]

There is a place for each!

[@hanisahjaafar5435]

Thank you for this video sir, so if SCADA can manage more than one PLC it could be a DCS or not? Thanks again sir!

[@4.0Solutions]

SCADA can manage more than one PLC and more than one DCS yes. A DCS is typically integrated.

[@nuqmannajib6528]

thank you sir for the explanation, now I have better understanding on the topic

[@4.0Solutions]

Happy to help!

[@nursyaheeraamila2438]

I understand better after watching this video! Thank you for ur explanation🤗

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad it helped!

[@aleeyanatasha4444]

how to distinguish between RIO, RTU and PLC?

[@4.0Solutions]

Added this question to our video topics list!

[@qasrinasyazwanibintirostam694]

Sir, can i ask something ? 1. According from these two type, which is more advantages, is it SCADA or DCS ? 2. Does all types of cars use DCS ? 3. Which one is more save in cost for using it in industries ? Thank you sir !

[@nurulhusnamohammadmisroji6315]

I wonder the same things

[@4.0Solutions]

They both have their place in industry! It really depends on the application.

[@Boubekeur00Kamel]

That is so wrong 🤣🤣

[@4.0Solutions]

Would you explain further?

[@jessicaflores3944]

I've been learning about all these components and systems for a few months now and after this video it has all magically clicked. It feels pretty empowering to finally "get it".

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you Jessica!! Glad you finally get it! Please join the Discord Community! www.iiot.university/discord

[@mahirahrosli5048]

It is very understandable. Thank you sir for the explanation.

[@4.0Solutions]

You are most welcome

[@muhammadnazrinsabudi7857]

Thank you sir, for the explanation. It very helpful for my understanding.

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad it helped!

[@nursyazlina8988]

Thank you sir! this video help me a lot in understanding more about the PLC, SCADA, and DCS

[@4.0Solutions]

You are welcome!

[@wyc2462]

Master of 4.0 Solutions.

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you!

[@khaireenafiruzshah5136]

Your explanation is very clear ..thank you for this vid sir, it really helps me to understand better on this topic 😊

[@4.0Solutions]

Happy to help

[@muizzakaria33]

Great explanation, easy for me to understand. Thank you sir.....

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad to hear that

[@nisasofiahbintiroszeli9307]

Very well explanation Sir ..now I understood the topic much better than before

[@nisasofiahbintiroszeli9307]

But there is certain part that i cant fully understood which are what is it mean by SCADA center/central.Next,what is it mean by PLC have certain limitations?Hope you can help me thank you😊

[@4.0Solutions]

Can you mark the timestamp?

[@nurlinasyahirahmustapa3943]

Thank you sir for the great explanation about PLC, SCADA, and DCS.

[@4.0Solutions]

You are most welcome

[@DracK_07]

finally got the right answer from the right place 👏

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you!

[@ahmadziadrasidi]

thank you sir for the explanation... it helped me a lot..

[@4.0Solutions]

You are most welcome!

[@afurqoonpauzi1518]

Thank you for the explanation sir, more easier for me to understand.

[@4.0Solutions]

Glad to hear that

[@melalbano6351]

Thank you Professor.

[@4.0Solutions]

You are very welcome

[@Sabrina-iw4ul]

Very well explanation..thank you sir😊

[@4.0Solutions]

All the best

[@elsumano]

What a great final analogie, thanks for the video!

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you Erick!

[@steffenpo]

One of the best comparsion of the DCS and PLC systems. :) very good.

[@4.0Solutions]

Thank you!

[@MarkMcMillen2112]

Too bad he got most of it wrong.

[@kennydieu2694]

Thanks for sharing .

[@4.0Solutions]

Thanks for watching!

[@nuranisahbintiyazid6387]

Your explanation is very clear sir Thank you! 👍🏻☺️

[@4.0Solutions]

You are welcome