Automation has revolutionized the industrial sector, driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. This shift has greatly increased the demand for industrial automation courses,particularly in PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). In this article, we’ll explore the significance of PLC and SCADA training, their continued relevance, and the future scope of industrial automation courses.

Understanding Industrial Revolutions

Examining industrialization through the lens of history helps in understanding the role of industrial automation in a better manner. Up to this moment, history has recorded three innovation-led Industrial revolutions, all of which have contributed to the growth of industries through new inventions.

The First Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century, primarily in America and Europe, before spreading worldwide. The rise of large scale mechanical production industries reliant on steam and water engines results in transforming the worldwide society from an agriculture dependent economy into an industry-based way of life. The introduction of the steam engine, one of the key developments of this period, was a game changer for the economic systems of a nation and introduced the concept of production on a massive scale.

During the Second Industrial Revolution, industries moved toward machines powered by electricity, enabling unprecedented growth and efficiency. Developments in communication and transportation, such as the telegraph and railway systems, further accelerated industrial expansion.

The Third Industrial Revolution, also called the Digital Revolution, introduced technologies like personal computers, the internet, and other information and communication systems, laying the groundwork for today’s digital landscape. These developments enabled large scale automation and transformed the operations of industries.

Future Scope of Industrial Automation Courses

As the Digital Revolution gave a new definition to the technological field, PLC and SCADA systems became integral elements of industrial automation. They provide a foundation that remains relevant even as newer technologies emerge. PLC provides adaptive and strong control over various automation strategies, whereas SCADA facilitates instantaneous monitoring and regulation of processes in the industries. Together, these systems support the smooth operation of automation practices and are essential in modern industrial setups.

  • The Ongoing Relevance of PLC and SCADA
    PLC and SCADA systems continue to hold immense scope across various industries due to their versatility and efficiency. Industrial control was previously based upon either microprocessors or relay logic. However, PLCs have made the whole process streamlined and offer reliability and flexibility in industrial automation. SCADA complements this by allowing operators to oversee and adjust processes from a centralized location, ensuring seamless operations.
    In today’s dynamic industrial landscape, the adaptability of PLC and SCADA systems stands out. They provide a solid platform on which industries can undertake enhancements and changes without compromising efficiency, speed, or interoperability.As changes in technology inevitably occur, these systems afford the capability to incorporate new equipment and practices effectively.
  • Industry 4.0 and the Growing Demand for Automation Skills
    Experts predict that Industry 4.0 will fully materialize within the next 15 to 20 years, marking a significant shift from previous revolutions. In contrast to the earlier phases that aimed at new machines and production processes, Industry 4.0 focuses more on the importance of networking and communication. Instead of replacing the Digital Revolution, this revolution will come as an extension of the Digital Revolution, utilizing the world's most advanced technologies of IoT, Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Machine Learning.
    Already, some industries are already implementing these technologies with impressive results. However, instead of doing away with the older technologies, they are integrating these advancements as additional features, which are an improvement on the already existing systems. This incremental approach enhances the worth of courses in industrial automation; particularly in PLC and SCADA. As long as industries continue to prioritize enhancing existing systems, there will be a demand for service seekers trained in these fields.
    With a keen focus on the future scope of industrial automation, Cognidel offers a range of specialized programs designed to meet industry demands, including PLC & SCADA, HMI (Human-Machine Interface), and VFD (Variable Frequency Drive). These industrial automation courses equip students with the technical skills essential for success in automation roles, and Cognidel’s industry experts are available to guide students in choosing the most suitable course for their career aspirations. The elaborate training program by Cognidel ensures that students not only master practical automation but equip themselves with the ability to cope with the fast changing world of this specific area.