Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

Choose a DCS system to save time and money
By Geraldine McGowan Whether you need to install a distributed control system or you have to upgrade one to fit in with today's technology, keep in mind that manufacturers usually custom make DCS systems. DCS systems do not function with one central unit or in one location, rather each component has its own controller and all controllers connect to a network for communication and monitoring. You will find large DCS systems in power plants and electrical grids.
 

Distributed control system vendors have received competition from other control systems such as PACs and PLCs. Yet, distributed control system providers have closed the gaps between the functions that users of large systems continually use.

1. DCS users control the manufacturing processes such as power plants, food and beverage production, pharmaceutical production and oil refining.

2. Distributed control systems vendors are transitioning from supplying DCS hardware to software development, although they do hardware support for their projects.

3. Manufacturers of distributed control systems application portfolios custom build for each project and contain the flexibility for future value-added services.

4. Distributed control system vendors can upgrade old DCS systems to up-to-date standards.

Anticipate your company's need for DCS

An introduction to distributed control systems begins with understanding what this system can provide. Essentially it can control the processing of materials that go through a production process needing different steps to get to completion. What once took teams of workers to do, a DCS systems does through controls at set points that a network coordinates.
Try: Rockwell Automation develops DCS systems for companies new to the technology. It provides a DCS system that reduces expense and offers a user-friendly network. Foxboro manufacturers DCS systems and outlines a number of success stories for DCS applications in different industries.

Use a DCS for big and small operations

A distributed control system is all about managing your manufacturing processes. A manufacturer can modify all DCS systems to fit your specialized business needs.
Try: ABB is a distributed control system manufacturer that produces DCS systems for large and small businesses. It customizes its systems with add-ons. Yokogawa's Centum CS 3000 R3 is adaptable for small and large systems. It is compatible with existing systems and has the built-in flexibility for adapting to future technology.

Invest in DCS built to evolve with new technologies

DCS technology has gone through changes. US manufacturers no longer make the hardware but concentrate on the software end. However, US DCS companies are customer savvy and make DCS compatible with other systems. Look for software that plans to incorporate new DCS technology.
Try: UCOS offers lower overall costs to its DCS systems and schedules upgrades according to your budget. It uses off-the-shelf hardware to cuts costs and makes problems easier to fix. Emerson works in nine different industries and gives full service to all clients. Emerson's team of experts appraises your operations and designs a distributed control system for you. The team will even train your employees to use the system.

• DCS systems require WAN and LAN networks. If your company doesn't have the network support required for DCS, installing a network will be an additional expense.