SCADA and Industrial IoT (IIoT) are often discussed as competing technologies. From an engineering perspective, they typically solve different problems. SCADA provides supervisory monitoring and control of industrial processes. IIoT extends operational data across systems, sites, and applications. In many modern architectures, they work together. What Is SCADA? SCADA, or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, provides operators with centralized visibility and supervisory control of...

In industrial environments, the integration of automation and data management technologies has transformed how engineers design, operate, and maintain complex systems. Three key technologies include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). These technologies work together to enhance efficiency, reliability, and insight across manufacturing and process industries. Understanding how these...