Are you uncertain about the appropriate use of PLCs, DCS, or SCADA systems? After 35 years in industrial controls, this query is the most common question I get. The boundaries between these systems are blurring in 2026, and new factors like edge computing, AI integration, and cybersecurity are completely reshaping the decision landscape.
📋 RESOURCES: A practical worksheet to systematically apply this framework to your projects. https://alanamurray.com/buy/2025-control-system-selection-worksheet
In this podcast, I'll give you a practical framework for making these critical decisions, plus share the biggest mistakes I see engineers making in today's environment.
🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
✅ Why the old "discrete = PLC, analog = DCS" rule no longer applies
✅ How edge computing and AI are changing control system architecture
✅ A 5-category framework for making informed decisions
✅ Why cybersecurity must be considered from day one
✅ When hybrid approaches outperform single-system solutions
✅ The biggest mistakes engineers are making in 2026
🔧 DECISION FRAMEWORK CATEGORIES:
Core control requirements
Digital transformation strategy
Cybersecurity and compliance needs
Infrastructure and ecosystem
Future roadmap and scalability
⚠️ 2026 GAME-CHANGERS:
Edge computing bringing intelligence to the plant floor
Manufacturing as the #1 cyberattack target (6,000+ attacks/week)
AI and machine learning built into control platforms
Digital twins and advanced analytics becoming standard
Cloud integration and hybrid architectures
📧 Connect with SCADA & Beyond With Alana:
🌐 Website: https://www.alanamurray.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-murray-065a64297
📧 Email: alana@alanamurray.com
⚖️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This content is provided for educational purposes only and represents general guidance based on industry experience. Control system selection involves complex technical, safety, and regulatory considerations that are specific to each application. Always consult qualified engineers, system integrators, and relevant authorities before making decisions regarding system selection or implementation. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable industry standards, codes, and safety requirements.
SCADA & Beyond With Alana assumes no liability for decisions made based on this information.
© 2026 SCADA & Beyond With Alana. All rights reserved. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
