This figure illustrates a simplified representation of an ICS.
This ICS consists of two controllers and a series of inputs and
outputs connecting to burners, valves, gauges, motors and so on.
These components all work together in a tightly
integrated manner to perform an automated task.
The ICS typically includes tool kits for
creating the process logic that defines the task, as well as tool kits for
building custom operator interfaces, or GUIs, implemented on the HMI.
The process logic is pushed to the controllers.
The task is controlled by an application or logic running inside the controller.
Local panels, or human machine interfaces, are used to provide a view
into the controller, allowing the operator to see values and
make changes to how the control is operating.
As the task executes,
the results are recorded in a database called an historian.
The system depicted in the figure can be considered a DCS, distributor control
system, or a SCADA system, supervisory, control and data acquisition system.
These systems are designed to monitor and to control manufacturing or
industrial equipment.
Various assets that comprise an ICS are interconnected over
an industrial network.
While the ICS represented in the previous figure is accurate,
in a real deployment, management and supervision of ICS will be separated
from the controls and the automation system itself.
Thus, the current figure shows how an ICS is actually part of a much
larger architecture.
Consisting of plant areas that contain common and shared application,
area specific control devices, and associated field
equipment all interconnected via variety of network devices and service.
In large or distributed architectures, there will be a degree local and
remote monitoring in control that's required,
as well as centralized monitoring and control.