The advantages of the PLC / DCS SCADA system

The advantages of the PLC / DCS SCADA system are:
• The computer can record and store a very large amount of data
• The data can be displayed in any way the user requires
• Thousands of sensors over a wide area can be connected to the system
• The operator can incorporate real data simulations into the system
• Many types of data can be collected from the RTUs
• The data can be viewed from anywhere, not just on site

The disadvantages are:
• The system is more complicated than the sensor to panel type
• Different operating skills are required, such as system analysts and programmer
• With thousands of sensors there is still a lot of wire to deal with
• The operator can see only as far as the PLC