Since their introduction in the 1960s, remote management systems have revolutionized the management of technical infrastructure by enabling near-real-time remote monitoring and control of remote technical facilities.
These facilities are operated and remotely controlled using supervision and hypervision tools or IoT (Internet of Things, or connected devices) platforms. This article will help non-specialists understand the benefits and differences between these tools.
1. History
1960 Remote Management
Remote monitoring of technical infrastructure via radio and control lines.
1970 Automation
Local automation and control links between remote facilities.
1980 Digital Consoles
Introduction of Minitel and access via the switched telephone network.
1990 Supervision
Centralized monitoring with graphical interfaces.
2000 Hypervision
Integrated overview of multiple Supervision systems.
2010 IoT Platform
Data transmission over the Internet; interconnection of IoT platforms, Supervision systems, Hypervision, and websites; advanced analytics and decision-making tools.
2015 Smart Water Management
Big data, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics.
2. Features
| Functions | Supervision | hypervision | IoT Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Internet telecommunications involving sensors, actuators, PLCs, RTUs, and data loggers | X | – | – |
| Internet-based telecommunications with sensors, actuators, PLCs, RTUs, and data loggers | X | – | X |
| Integration with IoT platforms, monitoring systems, and websites | X | X | X |
| Management of Timestamped Data at the Source | X | X | X |
| Real-Time Data Archiving | X | – | X |
| Data Calculation and Formatting | X | X | X |
| Data tables, curves, charts | X | X | X |
| Animated graphical overviews | X | – | – |
| Data Visualization Using Widgets | X | X | X |
| Overview of Data from a Large Area | – | – | X |
| Email, text message, or voice alerts | X | – | X |
| Balance Sheets in Spreadsheets | X | X | X |
| Multi-user web access | X | X | X |
| Artificial Intelligence, Decision-Making Tools | – | X | X |
| Reactive Maintenance | X | – | X |
| Proactive Maintenance | – | X | X |
3. Comparison
| Software | Supervision | hypervision | IoT Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differences | Real-time view | Broad Perspective | Focused Vision |
| Benefits | Reactive Maintenance | Proactive Management | Turnkey solution |
| Disadvantages | Short-Term Management | Complex | Depends on the internet service provider |
4. Glossary
SCADA
(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): Control and Data Acquisition System or Supervisor
IoT (Internet of Things)
Internet of Things, or connected objects
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
Industrial controller
RTU ( Remote Terminal Unit)
Remote management controller
Data logger
Standalone data logger and transmitter
Widget
A graphical and/or text-based user interface element that can be easily integrated into web pages or supervisory systems