Hybrid Control Systems

Acronyms like DCS and PLC may be as perplexing as the products they represent. Which do we use to control our plant - DCS or PLC? Fortunately the technologies are merging into one, the hybrid control system (HCS?).

Yes, unfortunately HCS is catching on as another descriptive acronym. Or why not use PCS, Process Control System? Regardless, we no longer have to spend big bucks on DCS for mid and small size plants. And we don't have to go the proprietary DCS route of old. In fact, most of the major PLCs coupled with HMI and information systems software become an HCS.