SCADA, Historians and Industrial Edge Computing

This upper-division undergraduate course, MEC 350, provides a comprehensive exploration of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, industrial data historians, and the emerging field of industrial edge computing. Students will delve into vendor-neutral communication standards crucial for interoperability, such as Unified Architecture for industrial data exchange and lightweight messaging protocols for resource-constrained environments. The course covers the principles of industrial data collection, processing, and secure transmission from the shop floor to enterprise-level systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the architecture, deployment, and practical application of industrial databases and edge gateways for real-time analytics and distributed control. Through theoretical study and hands-on laboratory exercises, students will develop the expertise required to design, implement, and maintain robust industrial data infrastructure solutions, preparing them for roles in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation.