🏗️What is OT?

Definition of Operational Technology

Operational technology (OT) is hardware and software that detects or causes a change, through the direct monitoring and/or control of industrial equipment, assets, processes and events.

Types of Operational Technology

Process Controls Systems

PCS, sometimes called ICS, function as pieces of equipment along the production line during manufacturing, testing the process and returning data for monitoring and troubleshooting. PCS are architecturally similar to SCADA systems, but also perform many of the functions of a DCS, and are similarly used at site facilities. PCS supports a variety of manufacturing processes including continuous, batch, and discrete processing.

Many PCS applications overlap with DCS applications. PCS are scalable and used in small power plants, as well large production facilities. As a general rule, however, DCS implementations are more suitable for large refineries and chemical plants.

PCS use many of the same software packages and hardware components as SCADA systems. This includes PLC and RTU. The main difference between PCS and SCADA system is that a PCS communicates with the field controllers using a plant network, while SCADA systems traditionally use serial communications and remote networks for the same task.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are industrial computers, with various inputs and outputs, used to control and monitor industrial equipment based on custom programming.

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Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) is a system of software and hardware elements that allows industrial organizations to:

• Control industrial processes locally or at remote locations;

• Monitor, gather, and process real-time data;

• Directly interact with devices such as sensors, valves, pumps, motors, and more through human-machine interface (HMI) software;

• Record events into a log file.

SCADA systems are crucial for industrial organizations since they help to maintain efficiency, process data for smarter decisions, and communicate system issues to help mitigate downtime.

The basic SCADA architecture begins with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or remote terminal units (RTUs). PLCs and RTUs are microcomputers that communicate with an array of objects such as factory machines, HMIs, sensors, and end devices, and then route the information from those objects to computers with SCADA software. The SCADA software processes, distributes, and displays the data, helping operators and other employees analyse the data and make important decisions.

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Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

A DCS is a system where control is achieved by the distribution of live data (intelligence) throughout the controlled system, rather than from a centrally located single unit. DCS are used in power generation, chemical processing, oil refining and wastewater treatment.

Energy Management System (EMS)

A system of computer aided tools used by operators of electric utility grids to monitor, control and optimise the performance of the generation and/or transmission system. EMS are used in electrical energy and pump optimisation.

Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

An engineered set of hardware and software controls commonly used on critical processes safety systems. SIS are especially useful in safety shutdown and equipment protection systems.

Other Systems

• HVAC

• Building Automation System (BAS)