PLC vs DCS vs SCADA

PLC vs DCS vs SCADA

Are you uncertain about the appropriate use of PLCs, DCS, or SCADA systems? After 36 years in industrial controls, this is the most common question I get. The boundaries between these systems are blurring in 2026, and new factors like edge computing, AI integration, and cybersecurity are completely reshaping the decision landscape. Get full access to SCADA & Beyond with Alana at scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe [https://scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

ISA/IEC 62443: Cybersecurity Best Practices for the Real World

We're going to cover a lot of ground today. We'll start with what 62443 actually is, break down the standard's structure with real examples, look at the major 2024 updates, explore practical implications for your facility, and finish with concrete next steps you can implement immediately. This isn't going to be a theoretical discussion; everything we cover today comes from real-world implementation experience. Get full access to SCADA & Beyond with Alana at scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe [https://scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Why Your Industrial Control System Is Broken

So today I want to talk about the three things that slowly turn a decent control system into one that’s a nightmare to live with. Configuration. Architecture. And change. These three things, on their own or working together, are behind most of the dysfunction I’ve seen in ICS environments. Get full access to SCADA & Beyond with Alana at scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe [https://scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Your Building Has a Brain: Here's How It Works

The building you're in has a brain, but most people who work in or around it don't know that. Until now. In this first episode of my BAS series, I'm breaking down exactly what a Building Automation System is, how it's structured, what it controls, and what all those confusing acronyms, BAS, BMS, DDC, EMS, actually mean. This is the perfect place to start if you work in facilities, controls, or maintenance, or if you're just starting out in the industry. Get full access to SCADA & Beyond with Alana at scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe [https://scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Why OPC UA Is the Industrial Protocol You Can't Ignore in 2026

With 45 million units installed worldwide, OPC UA is poised to revolutionize industrial automation in 2026. If you continue to rely on Modbus, EtherNet/IP, or other legacy protocols, this podcast will show you why it's time to upgrade. Get full access to SCADA & Beyond with Alana at scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe [https://scadaandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]