What does SCADA stand for?

SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. This term is widely used in industrial control systems to refer to a system that collects data from various sensors and instruments located at remote sites and presents this data to operators in a centralized location. SCADA systems are crucial in industries like manufacturing, energy, water treatment, and transportation, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of processes.

The use of the word "supervisory" emphasizes the role of these systems in managing operations and making high-level decisions based on the data collected. "Control" indicates the capability to command and operate machinery or processes remotely. "Data Acquisition" denotes the process of collecting data from various sources for analysis and monitoring purposes.

This definition highlights the importance of SCADA systems in facilitating efficient operations and ensuring the safety and reliability of industrial processes. Each component of the term reflects a critical aspect of how these systems function within an operational environment.