Control Server
Control servers are typically a software platform that runs on a modern server operating system (e.g., MS Windows Server). The server typically uses one or more automation protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3) to communicate with the various low-level control devices such as Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The control server also usually provides an interface/network service to connect with an HMI.
Related Assets
| Name | Sectors | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) Server | Electric, General, Water and Wastewater |
A SCADA server is used to perform monitoring and control across a distributed environment. It typically has an associated HMI to provide information to a human operator and heavily depends on the human operator to initiate control actions. |
| Master Terminal Unit (MTU) | General |
A controller that also acts as a server that hosts the control software that communicates with lower-level control devices, such as remote terminal units (RTUs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), over an ICS network [1] |
| Supervisory Controller | General |
A controller that also acts as a server that hosts the control software that communicates with lower-level control devices, such as remote terminal units (RTUs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), over an ICS network [1] |
| Distribution/Energy Management System (DMS/EMS) | Electric |
A DMS and EMS are electric sector-specific systems that are commonly used to manage distribution and transmission-level electrical grids. These systems typically integrate a SCADA server and HMI with domain-specific data analysis applications, such as state-estimation and contingency analysis (EMS), or voltage-var control or fault restoration (DMS). These systems also maintain visibility (and in some cases control) through a variety of integrated and distributed automation systems. |
| Building Management / Automation System (BMS / BAS) | General |
A controller (or set of controllers) that manages functionality for many common commercial / industrial buildings, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, elevators, etc. |
| Manufacturing Execution System (MES) | Manufacturing |
A controller that oversees the performance, efficiency, life cycle, and resourcing for a manufacturing process within the ICS environment at a facility. A MES may interact with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in the business environment to coordinate resourcing and job planning. |
