The report function in a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system is one of the most important components which allows to collect data, process the data received from different sections of the control system, and show the results.
The main purposes and capabilities of the report function in SCADA systems include:
1). Data Collection and Logging
2). Data Analysis
3). Event and Alarm Reporting
4). Performance Metrics and KPIs
5). Regulatory Compliance
6). Customizable Report Generation
7). Visualization and Graphical Representation
8). Historical Data Archiving
9). Detection of Faults and Schedule of Maintenance
1). Data Collection and Logging
SCADA data is collected from the sensors, meters and other field devices on the systems consistently and systematically.
Such data may be
- Temperature,
- Pressure,
- Flow rates,
- Voltage and other aspects of the corresponding prosesses.
Twice daily, the report function records these specifics, generating a history of the performance of the system.
2). Data Analysis
Accounting substantially fosters the preparation of reports necessary for the identification of trends, performance indicators, and anomalies through the SCADA system.
Thus, analyzing historical records allows operators to analyze the previously observed behavior of a system and to investigate potential problems and malfunctions.
Such analysis helps to enhance the connectivity and reliability of the systems as well as the processes within an organization.
3). Event and Alarm Reporting
These systems include aspects of alarms and events which perhaps include equipment failures, violation of threshold values or system failures.
The report function records such events and in the process, offers a documented record that is useful when addressing the following:
- Trouble shooting,
- Compliance checking, and
- Planning of preventive maintenance.
4). Performance Metrics and KPIs
These reports can be made specific in a way that they seem to with specific parameters or characteristics of the operation of the system such as the KPIs.
This comprises of rate indicators, manufacturing rates,-basic stoppage data, amongst other variables useful in evaluating the general status and performance of the system.
5). Regulatory Compliance
In the regulated industries, the SCADA report function is helpful to discharge the record of compliance in the industries in addition to following the industry standards and government rules.
It also entails information on the environment, safety and operational documents used in assessments and evaluations such as audits and inspections.
6). Customizable Report Generation
It is also worth mentioning that reporting tools are one of the SCADA’s most valuable characteristics, as they enable users to generate reports according to the desired standards or time, or even system elements.
Such reports can be system created and can be produced periodically to the concerned parties, depending on period, which is desirable.
7). Visualization and Graphical Representation
Documents contain graphics, which are useful in a speedy comprehension of data represented in a given report.
These visual charts and displays help operators/decison-makers of the business to comprehend large chunks of information better.
8). Historical Data Archiving
The report function maintains information about a period in the organization’s history which can be used for analysis and future planning.
This archived data is useful for analyzing organizational performance both in the past and the present and is useful in performance forecasting and organizational planning.
9). Detection of Faults and Schedule of Maintenance
In this particular case, the data gathered in reports allows for defining and understanding faults that can be founded during the analysis as well as planning maintenance works.
Taken proactively, it contributes to the decrease of the time when equipment is out of order and increases the time equipment will serve.