Checking the status of an automation system over a web page is convenient and often necessary in this fast-paced, always changing, always evolving world. Turning a light or valve on or off from a computer at your home or office can save you time and money in comparison to traveling out to sites for status and maintenance.
If you have an existing application that involves things like PLCs and I/O, you can bring your system to a local PC-based SCADA control and monitoring system, and then you can use a web server to make the SCADA system web-accessible. In SCADA software like KingView, drivers are provided that enable you to communicate with different PLCs, data acquisition modules, and devices. Installation of a web server allows you to serve the SCADA system so web clients on remote machines can access the data over a web page.
If you have a simple project that consists of a Modbus RTU-based device, you can bring this to the Internet for data collection with a Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP gateway like tGW-718, which has 1 RS-232/422/485 port. Then you can create a custom web server on your computer to show the data in an organized fashion. You can use your preferred web programming language like Java, C#, ASP.NET, or PHP. You can create user logins to access the page from any location and can limit access to related personnel.
If you have a complex project, you can use a sophisticated customizable controller with a web server like WP-5141-XW107. You can create a program to run in the controller with any of the .NET languages like C#, VB.NET, or C++. You can also use the web server inside to allow for a web-based SCADA system so you can check the status remotely or turn a device like a light on or off.
Web-based SCADA systems offer flexibility and convenience. You can configure SCADA systems to schedule alarms to be sent when undesirable conditions occur, like when a pump stops working, a tank is leaking, a flood occurs, a refrigerator door is left open, or when the temperature is out of range. Then you can log onto a PC and check the status of the system over a web page. You can click a button or make changes to best protect the overall system. This can result in great overall savings and prevent future damage. Web-based SCADA systems can allow you to collect data from all over the world and have it displayed in a clear, organized, and straightforward way. You can use web-based SCADA systems to monitor and control simple or complex systems.
