Process Automation - Factory Automation - DCS Or PLC?

By Siemens

For manufacturers in the process industries, the procedure for selecting the best automation technology is not as easy as it once was. In the past it was fairly easy to determine whether a PLC or a DCS was right for your application. This paper outlines the seven key questions that will lead you to making the right choice.

In this white paper, we will shift away from some of the classic stereotypes of DCS and PLC , in order to explore seven key criteria, which will help your company select the system that best meets your goals. We will also demonstrate why having a clear picture of the requirements of your application and the needs of your engineering, maintenance, and operations personnel is paramount to finding the right automation technology for your company. Finally, we will provide you with a simple check list to help you determine what type of system works best for your application.

The convergence of PLC and DCS technologies has created a situation where it is more challenging than ever for process manufacturers to select the best technology for their application. A successful evaluation should start by developing a clear picture of the requirements of your application and the needs of your engineering, maintenance, and operations personnel. To help clearly define these requirements and needs for your company, this paper outlines the seven key questions that will lead you to making the right choice.