Table of example control system tags and their values, data type, and description

Tags, You’re It!

If you’ve spent time around control systems, you’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase “tags” used. After all, tags are an integral part of a control program. And controllers (PLCs, DCS, etc.). And operator interfaces (HMIs). And historians. And a whole host of other pieces of a control system. With all these tags floating around, it can…

SCADA Basics: Cybersecurity

In December 2016, nearly a fifth of Kiev, Ukraine was thrown into darkness due to a power outage. Power was back in an hour, and disaster was averted. Or so it seemed. Over the next few months, researchers discovered that malware had attacked the system’s SCADA network and overloaded it, shutting the system down. This…

A SCADA component chart with a troubleshooting logo on it

SCADA Basics: Troubleshooting

If you’ve been following along with your SCADA Basics series, you’ve learned the components of a SCADA system, as well as how to choose your telemetry communication method. We understand, though, that not everyone is looking to get a new system. Many of you already have SCADA systems, and your challenge is keeping them online.…