PCS, sometimes called ICS, function as pieces of equipment along the production line during manufacturing, testing the process and returning data for monitoring and troubleshooting. PCS are architecturally similar to SCADA systems, but also perform many of the functions of a DCS, and are similarly used at site facilities. PCS supports a variety of manufacturing processes including continuous, batch, and discrete processing.
Many PCS applications overlap with DCS applications. PCS are scalable and used in small power plants, as well large production facilities. As a general rule, however, DCS implementations are more suitable for large refineries and chemical plants.
PCS use many of the same software packages and hardware components as SCADA systems. This includes PLC and RTU. The main difference between PCS and SCADA system is that a PCS communicates with the field controllers using a plant network, while SCADA systems traditionally use serial communications and remote networks for the same task.