What does the acronym SCADA stand for?

The acronym SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. This term is widely used in industrial and infrastructure settings, where it refers to a system used for monitoring and controlling processes remotely. SCADA systems enable operators to gather real-time data from sensors and control devices, facilitating the management of operations across various facilities, including water treatment plants, power stations, and manufacturing lines.

The term 'supervisory' in SCADA denotes that the system oversees processes by gathering data and allowing operators to make decisions based on that information, while 'control' implies that the system can execute commands to regulate devices or processes. 'Data acquisition' highlights the importance of collecting and analyzing information from the field, which is crucial for effective monitoring and control.

Understanding SCADA is essential for distribution operators as it plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and safety of operations in complex systems.