Scripts in SCADA Systems


SKILLS / MAIN GOALS

At the end of this module the students will be capable of developing scripts for SCADA systems to implement features that are not provided natively by the SCADA platform

CONTENTS

  • Programming languages

  • Algorithms

  • Code structuring in functions

  • Visual basic for applications (VBA)

  • VBScript

GAMIFIED CONTEXT

In this module the students are required to improve a SCADA system in the factory by implementing features that are not natively offered by the SCADA platform. Those features regard to better user management, UI/UX

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Students will learn the contents by developing scripts for several applications such as user management, multi-instance modal screens, data storage and retrieve, watchdog and others.

PLC TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

In this module, the student will be presented to Elipse E3 and Siemens WinCC. Elipse E3 and Siemens WinCC are payed softwares but they have have trial versions. The Elipse E3 Demo works forever but with a tag limitation which brings no problem to the module progress. The WinCC trial runs fully operational for 21 days, so the student must install and work on the challenge with WinCC in at most 21 days in order to finish within the trial period.
Skills on developing SCADA systems is a requirement for this module.

CHALLENGE/TASK VALIDATION

In the SCRIPTs module the students are required to answers questions in forms, as well as to upload small videos with limited duration, and attach the link when delivering the tasks.

MODULE STRUCTURE IN CHALLENGES

CHALLENGE 1

MODAL SCREEN UI/UX

Project:​ the student must implement a feature to open modal screens in the most suitable position to offer better usability and user experience.

Tasks:

  • Opening a modal screen

  • Positioning by the mouse coordinates

  • Improving positioning

  • Passing parameters

Automation contents​: basics of VBScript, if, else, case.

CHALLENGE 2

SAFE OPERATION IN MULTI USER

SCADA SYSTEM

Project:​ the student is required to implement feature to define the operators who are responsible for operating specific machines, so that one operator will not operate the wrong machine by mistake. That’s necessary because the same SCADA system is used by many operators, to operate different machines.

Tasks​:

  • Identifying the operator

  • Building the interface

  • Enabling the safe operation

New automation contents​: user management, for, while.

CHALLENGE 3

EXTRA FEATURES

Project:​ The student is required to some extra features which increase the SCADA system’s reliability.

Tasks:

  • Watchdog

  • Alarm filters

  • Instructions when alarms occur

  • UI/UX resources

  • General resources

New automation contents​: specific scripts for each feature.