SCADA Systems | SCADA & PLC Software for Automated Manufacturing

Industry Standard Network Protocols

Practicon systems are built around open, industry-standard communication protocols, ensuring interoperability and long-term scalability. These SCADA communication protocols enable reliable connectivity between PLCs, HMIs, SCADA software and ERP/MRP systems.

Supported protocols include:

• Ethernet/IP

• Profibus and Profinet

• Modbus TCP

• RS232/RS485 serial communications

• DeviceNet and OPC connectivity

This flexibility enables seamless communication between PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and ERP/MRP platforms.

OPC Architecture for SCADA Data Acquisition, Alarms and Reporting

Our systems utilise industry-standard OPC Servers to connect industrial hardware and software into one cohesive control network. Our OPC architecture supports SCADA data acquisition from plant-floor devices into a secure control network, enabling trending, alarm/event logging, and batch/historical reporting for operational decision-making.
This approach supports:

• Graphical plant mimics and trending screens

• Batch and historical reporting

• Alarm and event logging

• Integration with MES, ERP, and traceability databases

Practicon’s control system architecture ensures secure, real-time information sharing between plant-floor devices and enterprise-level management systems.

FAQs

What are SCADA systems?

SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) provide supervisory monitoring and control of industrial processes by collecting real-time data from PLCs and instruments, displaying it through HMI screens, and supporting alarms, trends and reporting.

What is SCADA software used for in manufacturing?

SCADA software is used to visualise plant operation, collect and store process data, manage alarms/events, and support operational reporting—helping teams improve uptime, quality consistency and compliance.

What is a SCADA control system?

A SCADA control system combines SCADA software, HMI visualisation, communications and integration layers (often using OPC) to supervise and coordinate PLC-controlled processes at machine, line or plant level.

What’s the difference between PLC and SCADA?

A PLC controls machines and process sequences in real time. SCADA supervises the wider system—visualising status, collecting data, managing alarms, and enabling reporting across multiple PLCs and assets.

What’s the difference between SCADA and HMI?

HMI is typically the local operator interface for a machine or station. SCADA is the wider supervisory system that connects multiple HMIs/PLCs, centralises data collection, alarm management and reporting.

What is SCADA data acquisition?

SCADA data acquisition is the collection of real-time signals (status, measurements, setpoints) from PLCs and field devices into SCADA software for trending, alarms, reporting and traceability.

What is OPC architecture in SCADA systems?

OPC architecture uses industry-standard OPC servers/interfaces to move data between PLCs and SCADA software in a structured way—supporting interoperability, scalability and secure integration.

Which SCADA communication protocols are commonly used?

Common industrial protocols include Profinet/Profibus, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and OPC-based connectivity. The right choice depends on existing PLC platform, network standards and integration requirements.