COURSE OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive technical understanding of the architecture and functional capabilities of modern Distributed Control Systems (DCS) used in large-scale industrial plants. Unlike standalone controllers, a DCS integrates diverse process units into a unified control and monitoring environment, ensuring high availability and system-wide data consistency. This program focuses on the evolution of these systems from traditional centralized control to decentralized, network-based processing clusters.

The scope of this training encompasses the hardware, software, and networking components that constitute a robust DCS platform. Participants will explore the design of controller nodes, the configuration of high-speed redundant networks, and the management of input and output (I/O) subsystems. The curriculum is specifically designed to address the engineering requirements of database management, control logic development, and the creation of high-performance human-machine interfaces that provide operators with situational awareness.

Coverage includes the practical aspects of system configuration, routine maintenance, and the management of system upgrades without disrupting plant operations. Attendees will learn how to troubleshoot communication failures, manage software version control, and implement cybersecurity measures tailored for the operational technology (OT) environment. By focusing on the practical lifecycle of a DCS, the course ensures that participants can maintain the primary "brain" of a process facility with precision and technical confidence.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

• Analyze the architectural differences between DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems.
• Identify the hardware components of a DCS, including controllers, I/O, and power supplies.
• Configure redundant communication networks and understand peer-to-peer data exchange.
• Design and implement complex regulatory and discrete control strategies.
• Manage the DCS database, including tag configuration and data historization.
• Build high-performance HMI displays following industry ergonomic standards.
• Execute system diagnostic procedures to identify hardware and software faults.
• Implement cybersecurity protocols to protect the DCS from external threats.
• Manage alarm systems according to ISA-18.2 standards to prevent operator fatigue.
• Perform routine maintenance and firmware updates on live systems safely.
• Troubleshoot fieldbus and industrial Ethernet communications within the DCS.
• Develop backup and disaster recovery plans for the entire control system.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Control Systems Engineers, Instrumentation Technicians, Maintenance Supervisors, and Process Engineers responsible for plant automation.

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.