As the name implies, the DCS is a system of sensors, controllers, and associated computers that are distributed throughout a plant. Each of these elements serves a unique purpose such as data acquisition, process control, as well as data storage and graphical display. These individual elements communicate with a centralized computer through the plant’s local area network – often referred to as a control network. As the ‘central brain’ of the plant the DCS makes automated decisions based on production trends it sees them in real-time throughout a plant. As an example the DCS at a power plant might automatically increase steam generation capacity of multiple turbines in order to keep up with changing demand for electricity during hot Summer days and then decrease it as outdoor temperatures cool overnight and demand subsides. Whereas a PLC could adjust a single unit operation, the DCS can make adjustments to each of a plant’s many interacting unit operations.
In recent years, the use of smart devices and field buses makes distributed control system (DCS) to be prominent in large and complex industrial processes as compared to the former centralized control system. This distribution of control system architecture around the plant has led to produce more efficient ways to improve reliability of control, process quality and plant efficiency.
Nowadays, distributed control system has been found in many industrial fields such as chemical plants, oil and gas industries, food processing units, nuclear power plants, water management systems, automobile industries, etc.

DCS Systems from Different Vendors
Some of the available DCS systems include
ABB- Freelance 800F and 800 xA
Yokogawa- FIO System
Honeywell-TDC 3000
EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS - Distributed Control System
EcoStruxure Triconex Safety Systems
Emerson- Delta V Digital Automation
Siemens- Simatic PCS 7

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