COURSE OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this course is to provide a foundational understanding of the primary-controlled architectures used in modern industrial environments. While often used interchangeably, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) serve distinct roles in the automation hierarchy. This program clarifies those roles by exploring how these systems interact to manage everything from local machine logic to plant-wide process regulation and regional infrastructure monitoring.

The scope of this training encompasses the technical differences in hardware, software, and communication methodologies that define each system. Participants will examine the "levels" of the automation pyramid, focusing on how field data transitions from sensors into local PLC logic, is visualized via SCADA, or is integrated into the high-availability environment of a DCS. The curriculum is designed to help technical staff identify the most appropriate control solution based on process complexity, geographical distribution, and the required speed of response.

Coverage includes an exploration of the unified database structures in DCS, the telemetry and wide-area networking strengths of SCADA, and the high-speed execution and ruggedness of PLCs. Attendees will learn about the convergence of these technologies in the era of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and how modern networking protocols allow for seamless integration. By focusing on an integrated overview, the course ensures that participants can navigate the complex landscape of industrial control and contribute to the successful operation of multi-platform automation environments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Analyze the historical evolution and future trends of industrial automation systems.
• Differentiate between the functional architectures of DCS, SCADA, and PLC.
• Map the components of each system to the five levels of the automation pyramid.
• Evaluate the pros and cons of centralized versus decentralized control logic.
• Identify the hardware components, including CPUs, I/O modules, and HMI stations.
• Understand the role of real-time operating systems in deterministic control.
• Compare the communication requirements for local machine control versus wide-area telemetry.
• Recognize the importance of redundancy and hot-swappable components in safety systems.
• Discuss the integration of human-machine interfaces across different platforms.
• Explain how fieldbus and industrial Ethernet connect disparate control systems.
• Assess the cybersecurity requirements for integrated control networks.
• Utilize technical documentation to interpret system interconnections and data flows.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Junior Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, Plant Operators, and IT Professionals who are new to the industrial automation environment.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.