What is the Difference between SCADA and LABVIEW software?
This table compares SCADA and LabVIEW based on their applications, capabilities, & utilised cases.
SCADA vs LabVIEW
| Parameters | Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) | Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Supervision, regulation, and recording of data of physical operations of industries in real-time. | It was used for the development of automated test systems, data acquisition, and instrument control in laboratories. |
| Primary Use Case | These are industrial automation, process control and infrastructure management for instance water treatment, electric power production and distribution. | Analytical devices, testing and measurement apparatus and instrumentation, control and instrument assemblies, and integration, and development of systems in embedded application. |
| User Interface | It is suitable for operators that have control panels, alarms as well as real time information about their systems. | Integrated environment designed for engineers and scientists, intended for creating applications themselves. |
| Programming Environment | Usually employs its own scripting languages or a set of configurations to integrate different functions and services. | Operates with graphical programming with “G” language (data flow programming) to compose virtual instruments (VIs). |
| Scalability | Ideal for large organizations with multiple centers or branches which are located at different geographical locations. | Typically applied in small scale and limited applications, but can be applied in large applications. |
| Real-Time Capabilities | This enables real-time monitoring and control with a comprehensive alarm management solution. | Real-time capabilities are available or as an option with NI Real-Time modules but it is typically reserved for testing not control. |
| Communication Protocols | It is compatible with many protocols used in the industrial setting (e. g. , Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850). | An extensive compatibility with various protocols is supported such as GPIB,USB, Ethernet and so on especially for laboratory instruments. |
| Data Logging & Analysis | Implements real-time data collection procedures while providing instruments for analysis of historical data. | Good at data collection, processing and displaying competitive post-processing capabilities. |
| Cost | Compare to normal software considerably higher because the software is typically used in industrial hardware and requires large scale implementation. | May be cheaper depending with the complexity of the systems it has been designed to used in, especially in educational facilities and laboratories though may rise with complexity of the systems. |
| Industry Use | Used in industries such as energy, manufacturing, utilities and several other industrial organizations across the globe. | They are widely employed in education, research, automotive, aerospace, electronic industries, etc. |
| Customization | It has limited degree of customization to LabVIEW; they emphasize on reliability and standardization. | Low production cost enabling manufacturers to create special solutions appropriate to certain uses. |
| Vendor | These are some of the particular vendors: Siemens, Schneider Electric and Honeywell. | Created and managed by National Instruments,National Instruments (NI). |
| Integration | Interoperability with PLCs, RTUs, as well as other industrial gear. | Runs smoothly in combination with third-party instruments including NI hardware for testing as well as measurement. |