Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are specialized control systems used to manage and automate industrial processes, such as manufacturing, energy generation, and transportation systems. These systems are designed to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of critical infrastructure components, including physical processes and equipment.

Figure 1. Architecture of industrial control system. [1]

ICS typically includes the following components:

Sensors and actuators: These are the devices that are used to measure process variables (e.g. temperature, pressure, flow rate) and to control the process (e.g. valves, motors).

Controllers: These are the computing devices that receive input from sensors and provide output to actuators. Controllers implement algorithms that control the process to achieve desired setpoints.

Human Machine Interface (HMI): This is the user interface that provides operators with a visual representation of the process and allows them to interact with the ICS.

Communication networks: These are the networks that connect the various components of the ICS together.

ICS are typically designed for use in harsh industrial environments, such as chemical plants and oil refineries, where they may be exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, and other environmental factors. They must also be highly reliable and fault-tolerant, as failures in the system can have serious consequences, including damage to equipment, environmental disasters, and even loss of life.

One of the key challenges in designing and deploying ICS is ensuring their security, as these systems are often connected to external networks, including the Internet. This makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can have serious consequences for the operation of critical infrastructure components. As a result, securing ICS is a critical component of ensuring the safe and reliable operation of industrial processes.

Overall, ICS are a critical component of modern industrial processes, enabling efficient and reliable control of complex systems. However, they also pose significant security challenges, which must be addressed in order to ensure their safe and effective operation.

References:

1. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Architecture-of-industrial-control-system_fig1_327073518

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), AnaTechmaz, pp.105