Which type of system manages large-scale, geographically dispersed devices from a central host computer?

Which type of system manages large-scale, geographically dispersed devices from a central host computer?

• A. HMIs
• B. SCADA
• C. IoT
• D. Data Historian

Answer: (B)

SCADA is the system that fits here because it is built to supervise and control widely spread field devices from a central host. In a SCADA setup, a master or central computer gathers real-time data from remote devices (like RTUs or PLCs) scattered across large geographic areas—think utility grids, water systems, or pipelines—and can send control commands back to those devices. Operators often use an HMI to monitor and interact with the process, but the essential capability is the centralized supervisory control and data acquisition across dispersed locations. Other terms describe parts of the setup or different roles: HMIs are the operator interfaces, IoT covers networked devices often at smaller scales or consumer-focused deployments, and Data Historian stores historical time-series data rather than providing the overarching control of distributed assets.

SCADA is the system that fits here because it is built to supervise and control widely spread field devices from a central host. In a SCADA setup, a master or central computer gathers real-time data from remote devices (like RTUs or PLCs) scattered across large geographic areas—think utility grids, water systems, or pipelines—and can send control commands back to those devices. Operators often use an HMI to monitor and interact with the process, but the essential capability is the centralized supervisory control and data acquisition across dispersed locations.

Other terms describe parts of the setup or different roles: HMIs are the operator interfaces, IoT covers networked devices often at smaller scales or consumer-focused deployments, and Data Historian stores historical time-series data rather than providing the overarching control of distributed assets.