The SCADA system is not a specific technology like PLC or CNC, but instead refers to vertical and tailored applications that are based on computerized and centralized systems to control industrial machinery and processes remotely and in real-time. SCADA is linked with a data acquisition system, which allows it to gather real-time information on the operating status of the machines. A SCADA system implements the following main functionalities:

• Receives data and information from the PLCs of the control system, and through them from the sensors, RTUs, and the other devices that are located at the lower levels of the CIM pyramid.
• Processes the gathered data, storing the most relevant information.
• Detects process anomalies, triggering alarms that are escalated to the operators in the control room.
• Presents information to the operators in the control room through a Human Machine Interface (HMI).
• From the HMI synoptics, the operator can monitor the data of the overall plant under the supervisory of the SCADA application. If needed, the operator can also react promptly through the sequences and operational logics implemented in the SCADA system by sending commands to the PLCs.