Maintenance and Engineering

SCADA Systems Operation

SCADA systems monitor and control utilities, pipelines and industrial sites over wide areas. This course covers SCADA architecture, remote terminal units and PLCs, communication networks and protocols, HMI design, alarm management, historians, cybersecurity and operational practices for control room staff.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Effective SCADA operation improves reliability and response to incidents. You will learn how SCADA systems work and how to operate them well.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

System demonstrations, alarm management exercises, cybersecurity case studies and operational scenarios.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain SCADA architecture and components
Understand field devices and communication protocols
Use HMIs effectively
Apply alarm management principles
Use historians and data for operations
Recognise SCADA cybersecurity risks

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Control room operators
SCADA engineers and technicians
Utility and pipeline engineers
Automation staff
Operations supervisors

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

SCADA architecture
Communication protocols
HMI use
Alarm management
Cyber awareness

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1SCADA Architecture

09:00–10:08Components
10:08–11:00Applications
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Applications (continued)
11:45–12:53Topologies
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Field Devices and Communication

09:00–10:08RTUs and PLCs
10:08–11:00Protocols
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Protocols (continued)
11:45–12:53Networks
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3HMI and Operations

09:00–10:08HMI design principles
10:08–11:00Operating practices
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Operating practices (continued)
11:45–12:53Situational awareness
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Alarms and Data

09:00–10:08Alarm management
10:08–11:00Historians
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Historians (continued)
11:45–12:53Reporting
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Cybersecurity

09:00–10:08Threats to SCADA
10:08–11:00Defences
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Defences (continued)
11:45–12:53Incident response
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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