Which type of system is primarily used to control and monitor industrial machinery?

A SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system is specifically designed for the control and monitoring of industrial processes and machinery. It enables operators to oversee and manage complex systems from a centralized location. SCADA systems collect real-time data from sensors and automation equipment, providing a visual interface for monitoring conditions, performance, and alarms in the industrial environment.

SCADA integrates various components such as remote terminal units (RTUs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) which interact with industrial machinery. It encapsulates the core functionalities of data acquisition and control, allowing for the automation of tasks and ensuring operational efficiency.

In contrast, a data acquisition system primarily focuses on capturing and measuring data from various sources but may lack comprehensive control capabilities. A management information system deals more with processing and analyzing business data for decision-making rather than directly managing industrial machinery. A distributed control system, while also used in industrial settings for managing processes, operates more at the equipment control level rather than providing the broad supervisory capabilities that characterizes SCADA systems.