New perspectives for the automation of thermal processes

Functions and tasks formerly the preserve of process-control and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) can now also be implemented cost-efficiently using smaller, more compact automation units. The com-bination of high-brilliance displays, high-performance PC technology, serial interfaces, decentralized I/O systems, high-capacity data-base libraries incorporating control and regulation functions, and easy-to-handle engineering and commissioning tools, open up new potentials for high-quality automation.