What is the Full Form of ICS?

The term ICS stands for Industrial Control System. The term “industrial control system” refers to many types of control systems and associated instruments, which comprise the devices, systems, networks, and controls needed to operate and/or automate industrial processes.

The most prevalent forms of ICSs are Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Distributed Control Systems (DCS). Local operations are frequently managed by Field Devices, which receive supervisory directives from remote stations.

Types of Industrial Control Systems

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): SCADA is not a system capable of providing complete control. Instead, its powers are centered on providing supervisory control. SCADA systems are made up of devices (often Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or other commercial hardware modules) dispersed across multiple locations. SCADA systems may acquire and send data, and they are integrated with a Human Machine Interface (HMI) that allows for centralized monitoring and control of a wide range of process inputs and outputs.
  
• Distributed Control System: This is a system for controlling manufacturing systems in a single place. A setpoint is provided to the controller in a DCS, which can tell valves or even actuators to operate in such a way that the intended setpoint is maintained. Data from the field can be saved for future reference, utilized for simple process control, or even combined with data from another area of the plant to create advanced control plans.

• Actual ICS Implementation: An ICS environment is frequently a combination of DCS and SCADA, with elements from both systems combined.

Components of an Industrial Control System

IT and OT: The hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices in the field are examples of operational technology (OT) variables. Every industry has its own set of OT tasks. Temperature monitoring devices in industrial settings are examples of OT equipment.

Programmable Logic Controller: This is a sort of hardware that is utilised as a control component in both DCS and SCADA systems. It also allows for local management of processes that use feedback control devices like sensors and actuators.

For more information, keep reading various short forms in our General Knowledge section!