08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

Pages

Inst Tools Menu

Try SAP Process

Automation

Ad Work in Chrome x
Open
DOWNLOAD

SCADA and HMI Systems – Differences, Similarities,

Purpose
by Hussien Ghareb

Does SCADA Systems are Really Different from HMI Applications?

Ad Try SAP Process Automation

OPEN

One of the thorniest topics in the Automation Industry is that “How is SCADA different from HMI ”
some Engineers think that they are used for the same thing and they both are identical, the only
difference just in what we call it, but unfortunately that is totally wrong.

The reason for this wrong thought is that both are Graphically Representation of your system or plant
also the both are used in monitoring and controlling, but you should be aware about that they are totally
different.

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 1/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

Central Governance

Ad Work in Chrome x
Open
DOWNLOAD

So, what is the issue and what is the similarities and dissimilarities between them both, that we are going
to talk about in the next few Lines.

Table of contents
What is the Need for SCADA & HMI?
The Meaning of HMI systems
The Practical Meaning of SCADA systems
Differences between SCADA and HMI
Similarities between SCADA and HMI

What is the Need for SCADA & HMI?

Before we begin discussing the similarities and dissimilarities of SCADA and HMI, let me explain what
is the exact function of both systems, so assume that we have a big plant that controlled by many
(Machines – sensors – valves …) and all of those as we know controlled by maybe one or several PLCs.

The plant equipments are talking with each other through a Binary Language regardless of all types of
communication and signal processing modules and which type of controller is used.

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 2/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

All of this system data is finally converted to 0s and 1s, this is a very low-level language which is really
difficult for a human to understand also another issue the machine cannot understand human language.

Ad Work in Chrome x

DOWNLOAD

So, here are the reason for using (SCADA, HMI) these systems just make an Easy interface between the
operator and the plant, if you tell the machine to stop it will not stop till you press the OFF button to
send Zero for the machine then it will stop. It is just a simple Gateway that converts the machine
language (0 and 1 logic) into a unique graphical form so that the operator or maintenance engineer can
understand it.

This graphical representation helps us in:

1. Reduce the process cost of the plant.

2. It can also support us with safe interaction between operator and machine.
3. Eliminating the maintenance time and downtime of the machine.

All of this reasons very enough to make SCADA and HMI systems essential parts of the process.

NOTE SCADA and HMI are not adding any type of logic into your process or plant, Just Visual
Representation.

The Meaning of HMI systems

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 3/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

HMI stands for Human Machine Interface, it might be an application (software) or also a hardware
device

Build AI into SQL

Ad Work in Chrome MindsDB x

DOWNLOAD
unlike the SCADA it is just software, so we can say that it allows the operator or engineers to
communicate and exchange data with a machine.

Note the type of data that is supported by an HMI application is totally different from the data of SCADA
system, this data can be called the low level of information that is considered by an operator or
technician or either an engineer this data could be ( state of level sensors – overload indication of motor
– alarms …).

The Practical Meaning of SCADA systems

First of all, and regardless of the theoretical definition of the SCADA system let us discuss the real
meaning of SCADA system, as all of us knows SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition, or we can say it is a software that is installed into a PC (that is responsible for controlling of
the plant), this software supports you with Higher Level of monitoring and control.

So, assume we have an application that supports us with some detailed information about the machine
such as ( Motor Amps – Machine state – Rated Temp and Pressure …) this information is not considered
as Supervisory information, it may be related to the operator or the maintenance engineer but
information like that will not be considered by the manager of the plant, this is could be a low level of
monitoring but a supervisor like a manager wants to know somethings like ( amount of production/day –
the usage of power – does there is any problem or not …. ) this how the SCADA should be built Just for
Higher Level of Monitoring.

Also, the very critical point is the Data Acquisition the manager of the plant or of the production process
is not spending all of his time on the SCADA screen, he just opens the history of the performance of the
plant and checks what it really mean to him.

Differences between SCADA and HMI

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 4/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

After we have illustrated clearly the meaning of both systems, we can now speak about differences
between the both:

Build AI into
SQL

Build AI into

SQL
Ad Work in Chrome
Learn More MindsDB x

DOWNLOAD
The HMI system is a low level of monitoring and controls it supports us with detailed information about
the process like setpoints, state of the machine, load, and so on unlike the SCADA, we can say that it’s a
higher level for monitoring that scopes to support a very basic and general information about all the
process that scaping a lot of details that you really do not need.

The HMI is one – to – one relationship that is between the operator and the machine but the SCADA
system can involve and handle a lot of several machines and processes.

One important feature that the SCADA has is that it can store data along with the time SCADA system
always need a historical server that can contain its database unlike the HMI it usually does not store any
data.

SCADA usually located away from the machine, it should be at the control room in the other hand we
found that HMI is usually attached to the machine.

Build AI into SQL Build AI into SQL

MindsDB MindsDB

Similarities between SCADA and HMI

Here we are going to say that as the both systems have some differences, they also have a lot of
similarities that we are going to talk about:

1. We can say that Basically, they both serve the same purposes (Graphical Representation)
https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 5/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

2. Both can be developed using the same designing environment

3. The two systems can be run from a PC
4. Both two systems can communicate with the controlling device (PLC) using the same protocols

Finally, I hope the idea is clear for now and also Note that is a general rule of designing that would really
help you a lot if you are an Automation Designer but you should also be aware that you might find some
of these criteria are broken in the field, but I just want the concept to be clear for you.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for PLC and SCADA video tutorials.

Ad Work in Chrome x
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive daily updates.
DOWNLOAD

Build AI into

SQL
MindsDB

Read Next:

Free InTouch SCADA Training

Security of SCADA System
Operator Interface for SCADA System
4-20mA Graphical Calculations
Earthing for PLC Control Panel

Don't Miss Our Updates

Be the first to get exclusive content straight to your email.

Enter your name here...

Enter your email here...

We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe Now

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 6/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

Build AI into SQL

MindsDB

PLC Tutorials
What are Inverse Time and Instantaneous Trip Circuit Breakers?
Ad Work in Chrome x
What is an Instrument Transformer? – Types, Principle, Advantages
DOWNLOAD

Recommended Articles
1. Difference Between Wifi and Industrial Wireless

2. Programmable Logic Controller Questions and Answers

3. Identify the Problem in the PLC Program

4. Difference Between PNP and NPN Sensors

5. PLC Programming to Control Lights in a Sequence

6. PLC Multiple Choice Questions

7. PLC Analog Input Scaling

8. What is an RTU? – Remote Terminal Unit

9. Sequential Operation of Output Bits using Two Push buttons

10. Light ON OFF Control using PLC

1 thought on “SCADA and HMI Systems – Differences, Similarities,

Purpose”

KINGSLEY AKWARANDU
October 19, 2021 at 11:52 am

This very correct.. Historical trends and logs can only be obtained from the scada. Data storage,
acquisition and access level are key differences.

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 7/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

Reply

Leave a Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

Subscribe to our newsletter

Post Comment

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 8/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

report this ad

Categories

Select Category

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR06… 9/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

Recent Comments

Anil Dass on RCA – Compressor Did Not Trip on Suction Pressure Low Low

ahmed messallam on Fire and Gas System Loop Checks Procedure

ahmed messallam on Gas Detectors Interview Questions & Answers

ahmed messallam on Rate of Rise Thermal Detectors Working Principle

Simiey on PLC Program for Continuous Filling Operation

Hasan Mahboob on Modbus Communication between PLC and Energy Meter

juuko quraish on PLC Programming Examples on Industrial Automation

Build AI into SQL

MindsDB

Build AI into SQL

MindsDB

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR0… 10/11
08/10/2022 17:08 SCADA and HMI Systems - Differences, Similarities, Purpose

More Articles

1. Start the Counting from a Preset Value in PLC

2. PLC based Automatic Packaging System

3. PLC or DCS Control System Spares

4. Learn about SCADA and HMI Systems

5. What is a Line Choke or Reactor in a VFD?

6. HMI Handbook

7. Siemens PLC Comparator Logic

8. Making Multi Way Switches using PLC

9. Two Hand Control Logic using PLC

10. Importance of Grounding Electronic Equipment

2022 © Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. - PLC SCADA Courses - Engineers Community

https://instrumentationtools.com/scada-and-hmi-systems-differences-similarities-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR21hC-71K0zksDlnfunOm62V23ghMvR0… 11/11