Industrial Control Systems

Industrial control systems handle various components, such as monitoring devices and software systems, to manage operations and automate them where possible. They balance the many components necessary for operating an industrial environment, ensuring these components work efficiently and in synchrony with each other. An ICS can take control entirely or be part of a hybrid approach that incorporates human interaction. Open-loop, closed-loop and manual options are available.

If your industrial organization involves the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or other smart systems, an ICS is especially useful and minimizes security risks. Overall, ICSs provide greater visibility and user-friendly control of a complicated network of components. Some elements you might find within an ICS include servers and controllers such as:

• Remote terminal unit (RTU): An RTU is a field device that communicates with a master terminal unit and functions as a supervisory controller.
• Human-machine interface (HMI): With an HMI, humans can interact with the hardware controlling the machinery. The HMI usually takes the form of a graphical user interface (GUI) that creates a human-readable platform — in essence, software. Users can view current statuses, monitor setpoints, receive security alerts, adjust parameters and algorithms, assess historical data and more.
• Programmable logic controller (PLC): As one of the controllers of an ICS, a PLC allows for local process management or connection to an HMI. You may also see programmable automation controllers (PACs), which are similar to PLCs, but are often more advanced and may include more memory and programming flexibility along with additional features.
• Soft PLCs: PLCs can also be found in a centralized database, fed by data off the production line. zenon Logic, for instance, offers a built-in PLC environment that engineers can access through a shared database. They only need to create objects once and can repeatedly access them in the system.
• Control server: This server hosts the supervisory control software for a PLC or distributed control system (DCS). It can also communicate with lower-level control devices.
• IT and operational tech: Different devices such as sensors monitor in-field operations.
• Control loop: A control loop has different types of hardware like PLCs and actuators that interpret sensor signals, switches, breakers, control valves and more. Then, they send that information to a controller to perform a certain task.
• Remote maintenance system: This system can monitor for and detect anomalies or failures, possibly even taking action to prevent problems.
• Master terminal unit (MTU) or SCADA server: The MTU or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) server can deliver commands to in-field RTUs.
• Smart electronic devices: A smart device can collect data and communicate with other devices. With SCADA and DCS infrastructures, these devices can execute local controls automatically.
• Data historian: Data collected from the ICS and its operating environment is stored in a data historian and exported to another information system. There, it can be processed for further analysis and strategizing.

Industrial control systems come in several varieties designed for different environments. Below are the different types of control systems available.

SCADA

A supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system collects data from and controls equipment across multiple sites. Control occurs on the supervisory level, with PLCs, RTUs and modules distributed in different locations to collect and transmit data across long distances. They may be linked up with machinery, sensors or other types of equipment. Integrated HMIs send the data and humans oversee the incoming information. This process may be on-site or at another location and can include numerous inputs and outputs.

SCADA systems can range from simple to complex and are popular in industries like water and wastewater, power transmission and distribution, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and automotive. A SCADA system relies heavily on a strong HMI platform to take advantage of an easy-to-use interface and extensive features that make data collection, visibility and efficiency easy.

DCS

A distributed control system is used at one location and works with setpoints, which are the target values for a variable or process. This system sends a setpoint to a controller that can move components like valves and actuators to maintain the desired setpoint. A DCS uses a centralized supervisory control loop to manage the devices as part of the overall production process. A DCS controls, monitors and organizes the many controllers used throughout a plant.

A DCS allows users to quickly access necessary data. Since many devices connect to it, it also minimizes the impact that any one fault can have on the overall ICS system. It is a popular choice for businesses in manufacturing, oil refinement, energy production and distribution and water and wastewater.

PLC

While programmable logic controllers are a key part of both of the above methods, they can technically function on their own. PLCs collect information from an input and process the data, initiating outputs based on the parameters given. They can again range from simple to complex.

Many PLCs have components built-in, but they could also take a modular approach to connecting to devices such as sensors, meters, lights, relays and valves. Other components that might be integrated or modular include the power supply and ports and protocols for communication with a SCADA or HMI system.

PLCs are common in industries such as distribution and manufacturing, including batch manufacturing. They can be used in one location or multiple. The primary drawback of using PLCs without an associated system such as a DCS or SCADA is the lack of centralized visibility and control. PLCs work locally and, on their own, don't communicate with other systems. The larger a business gets, the less viable a PLC-only approach will be. Still, they're a vital component of an ICS, providing the greater functionality of these systems.

Starting projects in an ICS provides greater control and efficiency in the future, as the project is engineered with the ICS and its structure in mind. An ICS has features that aid project planning and development, too. Walk through the process with the zenon Software Platform and see how it enables efficient engineering practices. The engineering phases of zenon include:

1. Conception

The first stage is to balance all the complexities involved in an engineering project, from quality standards to cost barriers and efficiency concerns. One requirement is a rapid proof of concept, which shows a design concept is feasible. This process may include experiments, pilot projects and testing. Engineers also need to consider the external compliance and compatibility requirements.

zenon helps by providing quick and user-friendly data generation for speedy initial testing, complete with a host of standard configurations and parameterization methods. It meets compliance requirements for DNP3, IEC 61850, IEC 60870 and others. zenon also has template components and samples to help you get started and develop your sample solutions.

2. Solution development

As you develop and implement your solution, efficiency starts gaining importance. Symbols, templates and object-orientation can help you create your energy solution faster. Templates allow you to save time by reusing components and minimizing learning time. They also make it easier to keep the project clean and organized while allowing for single verification and minimizing testing time.

Other valuable features include automation tools and configuration for existing functions. To make this stage smooth and straightforward, zenon offers features such as:

• Screen templates and symbols: zenon allows for easy visualization with different layouts for different tasks, including sequence of events (SoE) lists, switching sequence management and command processing. You can use generic screen symbols and assign dynamic variables and functions. Then, the symbol can be used in multiple assets in the HMI while the original symbol implementation stays centered in one spot.
• Smart Objects: With Smart Objects, zenon makes elaborate automation templates possible. You can use graphical symbols, variables, data types, drivers, command groups, detailed screens and interlockings to preconfigure a data model and attach alarms, functions and views to the template.
• Import/export mechanisms and defaults: Utilize robust import/export mechanisms and practicable defaults for greater efficiency and a more capable template environment.
• Configuration and parameterization: These features reduce complexity by allowing you to set essential parameters and help the rest of the solution fall into place. There's no need to develop or reverse-engineer custom code or use highly advanced programming skills. These resources can reduce errors from custom coding and retain standardized parameters for easy transfers while you develop the solution.
• Automation: Automated engineering can save time by offering easy visualization planning. With zenon's object-oriented engineering, for instance, you can create variables and custom wizards to conduct repetitive, standardized tasks. This ability allows you to minimize human error, standardize and boost efficiency.

3. Commissioning

In the commissioning phase, you need to know your solution can quickly scale up for large applications with all the right verifications in place. The standardization of zenon helps in this area with features like templates, building blocks and automated tools for custom algorithms and configuration wizards. When it comes to testing, you can see communication links and statuses within zenon and utilize process templates to avoid duplicate tests.

Another valuable component of commissioning is process simulation. This helps you prepare screens, perform first tests, control algorithms and optimize designs. zenon optimizes process stimulation by switching drivers to simulation mode, keeping variables on static values or animating variables dynamically.

4. Extension and updates

Efficiency in this phase helps ensure hands-off operation in the future. After finishing a project, you'll want to be able to update or extend the content, make agile changes to the project and extend architecture as needed. In zenon, the modular project architecture allows you to make changes and perform updates quickly and easily without affecting interdependent modules. The modular design means you can also add onto the architecture as needed with duplicate, specialized and templated modules.

The features of a strong ICS make long-term compatibility easy to come by, allowing for retrofits, updates and extensions long after the project is finished.