{"id":129276,"date":"2025-02-12T05:38:17","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T11:38:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/?p=129276"},"modified":"2025-04-23T19:38:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T00:38:01","slug":"how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/","title":{"rendered":"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data collection and distribution insights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) play an important role in industrial automation facilities, serving different purposes and offering distinct advantages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accessing data collected and historized from various systems adds value and improves operational efficiencies across the enterprise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Logistics benefit from improved efficiency through optimized process flow and better inventory management, driven by precise operational data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>big data<\/em> was coined several decades ago, but its impact is still felt in manufacturing facilities today. Data provides valuable operational feedback that helps decision makers determine changes or adjustments they must make to confirm processes run at peak performance, all while delivering the desired business outcomes. They use this data to gain insight into various areas of a facility, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Logistics to control inventory of raw materials, finished goods and utility usage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Predictive and preventive maintenance scheduling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managing the effects on quality, safety and the environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Data comes from many sources as manufacturing equipment is outfitted with various types of sensors and devices. As <a href=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/best-practices-for-effective-automation-applications-part-1-automation-effectiveness-through-data-collection\/\">data-collection systems mature<\/a> and more processes receive controllers, the amount and types of data increase (see Table 1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specifically, process and production data has increased greatly over the last 20 years. Due to technological advances, inline instrumentation has improved over time to the point of unprecedented reliability and accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table 1. A sample list of data types.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-1024x440.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-129277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-1024x440.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-300x129.png 300w, https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-768x330.png 768w, https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-1536x659.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1.png 1626w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Current data sources, however, are no longer bound to one source, which makes data collection challenging. While some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/using-mobile-devices-for-communication-data-collection\/\">data-collection processes are more complicated than others<\/a>, they still deliver the required data. Transferring process automation data from numerous control system sources and writing it to data historians requires connectivity via data communication interfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data communication through a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/industrial-networking-technologies-add-value-to-existing-infrastructure\/\">system\u2019s network infrastructure<\/a> \u2013 wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi or cellular) \u2013 helps with data transfer using numerous communication protocol interfaces. Object linking and embedding (OLE) for Process Control (OPC), Modbus, PROFIBUS and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) can achieve reliable and standardized data transfer between devices and systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to achieve real-time data access with PLCs and DCSs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The distributed control system (DCS), programmable logic controller (PLC) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system help capture and share data in real time from the various processes across the system network. The mission-critical data extracted from these systems is stored in a process data historian, such as Rockwell Automation\u2019s FactoryTalk software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data historians enhance the different areas of manufacturing operations. As a specialized software, historians are designed to store and manage vast amounts of time-series data. Using a unified platform with various tools to help capture, collect, visualize and analyze the stored data helps manufacturing workers overcome many data-collection processing challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The PLCs and DCSs are critical in industrial automation facilities, but they serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages. While PLCs are highly effective for discrete control tasks and smaller applications, the DCS excels in large-scale, complex and continuous process environments and is a common platform to use for data collection and distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A DCS can run on the same platform as power, variable frequency drives and motor control centers. Batch and continuous process operations can also run on a common platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider the following advantages that make a DCS, such as Rockwell Automation\u2019s PlantPAx, well-suited for a coordinated way to collect, contextualize and distribute data across the enterprise in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The advantages of DCS in data collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some distinct advantages to using a DCS in data collection across a unified platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Scalable and integrated design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Designed to handle large-scale processes with many control loops and devices, a DCS is inherently scalable, making it easier to expand and integrate additional components without significant system redesign. It integrates control, monitoring and data acquisition into a unified platform, providing a seamless interface for managing complex processes. This integration simplifies system architecture and reduces the need for multiple disparate systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Centralized control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing a centralized control platform, a DCS helps operators monitor and control the process from one interface. It synchronizes all parts of the process and ensures they operate consistently, crucial for processes that require tight coordination and timing. This centralization enhances situational awareness as workers can access real-time data, which makes it easier to manage alarms and respond to large and complex processing needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advanced process control capabilities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The DCS supports advanced control algorithms and strategies, such as model predictive control, adaptive control and multivariable control. These capabilities are essential for optimizing complex processes and improving efficiency. In addition, a DCS is equipped with tools for process optimization, allowing for real-time adjustments based on process conditions and performance metrics. These features lead to improved quality control and resource utilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reliability and redundancy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With built-in redundancy for critical components like controllers, power supplies and communication networks, the DCS delivers high system availability and reliability, minimizing downtime and production losses. It\u2019s also designed to handle faults gracefully, with features like automatic failover and fault-tolerant communication, making it more resilient to failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Simplified maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The centralized nature of a DCS simplifies maintenance activities. Providing comprehensive diagnostic tools and real-time monitoring, a DCS helps identify and troubleshoot issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lifecycle management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, the DCS comes with extensive support for system lifecycle management, including regular updates, upgrades and long-term support to ensure the system remains up-to-date and functional over its lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enhanced HMI, visualization and customizable dashboards<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The DCS provides sophisticated human-machine interface (HMI) tools that offer detailed process visualization, trend analysis and alarm management. These tools enhance operator effectiveness and decision-making. Operators can create customizable dashboards to monitor key performance indicators and process variables, providing increased insight into process performance and enabling proactive data management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Comprehensive data management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The DCS often includes integrated data historians for long-term data storage and analysis. This feature facilitates detailed process analysis, reporting and regulatory compliance. It also provides easy access to real-time and historical process data, enabling thorough analysis and continuous improvement efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data collection\u2019s pivotal role in various systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessing data collected and historized from various systems, such as a DCS, PLCs and SCADA, on a unified platform adds value and improves operational efficiencies across the enterprise. Making this data available to the right people is key for manufacturing processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In maintenance management, for example, real-time monitoring and historical data analysis enables predictive maintenance strategies, reducing downtime and extending equipment lifespan (see Figure 1). It also helps identify and mitigate potential hazards for a safer work environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"989\" height=\"196\" src=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG2_F1_OpenAutomation_Figure1.png\" alt=\"Figure 1. Example data, including tag data of equipment run-time hours and the recommended hours between servicing, used for predictive maintenance and planning. Courtesy: Rockwell Automation\" class=\"wp-image-129278\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG2_F1_OpenAutomation_Figure1.png 989w, https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG2_F1_OpenAutomation_Figure1-300x59.png 300w, https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG2_F1_OpenAutomation_Figure1-768x152.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 989px) 100vw, 989px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 1. Example data, including tag data of equipment run-time hours and the recommended hours between servicing, used for predictive maintenance and planning. Courtesy: Rockwell Automation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuous data collection helps manufacturers achieve consistent product quality control by enabling real-time adjustments and thorough post-production analysis. Logistics benefit from improved efficiency through optimized process flow and better inventory management, driven by precise operational data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While today\u2019s real-time data is accessible across many disparate platforms via the use of interfaces and connectors, a unified platform makes the data collection, analysis and visualization processes easier, and decision-making is enhanced. Manufacturing leaders can use this detailed, accurate data to make informed decisions that drive operational excellence and strategic growth. Overall, integrating real-time system data into critical areas fosters a resilient and agile culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Brian Bolton<\/strong> is a senior process engineer at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockwellautomation.com\/en-us.html\">Rockwell Automation<\/a>. Edited by <strong>Sheri Kasprzak<\/strong>, managing editor, Automation &amp; Controls, WTWH Media, <a href=\"mailto:skasprzak@wtwhmedia.com\">skasprzak@wtwhmedia.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Data collection and distribution insights The term big data was coined several decades ago, but its impact is still felt in manufacturing facilities today. Data provides valuable operational feedback that helps decision makers determine changes or adjustments they must make to confirm processes run at peak performance, all while delivering the desired business outcomes. They [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[109105,109104,104108,107658,109099,104088],"tags":[109341,109340,109820,109819,109817,109821,109822,109824,109823,109811,109814],"tracking-metrics":[],"display-location":[109353],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform - Control Engineering<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) play an important role in data collection.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform - Control Engineering\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) play an important role in data collection.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Control Engineering\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ControlEngineeringMagazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-12T11:38:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-24T00:38:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1626\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"698\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sheri Kasprzak\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@controlengtips\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@controlengtips\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sheri Kasprzak\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Sheri Kasprzak\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/person\/95b2a8682c46f4ae90c170b265b9f5f8\"},\"headline\":\"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-12T11:38:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-24T00:38:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/\"},\"wordCount\":1246,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-1024x440.png\",\"keywords\":[\"control engineer\",\"control engineering\",\"DAQ\",\"data acquisition\",\"data analytics\",\"data centers\",\"data distribution\",\"PLC\",\"programmable logic controller\",\"SCADA\",\"scada systems\"],\"articleSection\":[\"DAQ\",\"Data Acquisition\",\"Data Acquisition, DAQ\",\"Data Centers\",\"DCS\",\"DCS, SCADA, Controllers\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/\",\"name\":\"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform - Control Engineering\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-1024x440.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-12T11:38:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-24T00:38:01+00:00\",\"description\":\"Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) play an important role in data collection.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1.png\",\"width\":1626,\"height\":698},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/\",\"name\":\"Control Engineering\",\"description\":\"Control Engineering covers and educates about automation, control and instrumentation technologies\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Control Engineering\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce_logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce_logo.png\",\"width\":300,\"height\":93,\"caption\":\"Control Engineering\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ControlEngineeringMagazine\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/controlengtips\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/control-engineering-magazine\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/person\/95b2a8682c46f4ae90c170b265b9f5f8\",\"name\":\"Sheri Kasprzak\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f6306210094147bb5c7004260197732685a63f208a811b2a6ad548e4152a5e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f6306210094147bb5c7004260197732685a63f208a811b2a6ad548e4152a5e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Sheri Kasprzak\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/author\/sheri-kasprzak\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform - Control Engineering","description":"Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) play an important role in data collection.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform - Control Engineering","og_description":"Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) play an important role in data collection.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/","og_site_name":"Control Engineering","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ControlEngineeringMagazine","article_published_time":"2025-02-12T11:38:17+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-04-24T00:38:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1626,"height":698,"url":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Sheri Kasprzak","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@controlengtips","twitter_site":"@controlengtips","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Sheri Kasprzak","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/"},"author":{"name":"Sheri Kasprzak","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/person\/95b2a8682c46f4ae90c170b265b9f5f8"},"headline":"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform","datePublished":"2025-02-12T11:38:17+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-24T00:38:01+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/"},"wordCount":1246,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-1024x440.png","keywords":["control engineer","control engineering","DAQ","data acquisition","data analytics","data centers","data distribution","PLC","programmable logic controller","SCADA","scada systems"],"articleSection":["DAQ","Data Acquisition","Data Acquisition, DAQ","Data Centers","DCS","DCS, SCADA, Controllers"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/","url":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/","name":"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform - Control Engineering","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1-1024x440.png","datePublished":"2025-02-12T11:38:17+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-24T00:38:01+00:00","description":"Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) play an important role in data collection.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CTL2504_MAG_OpenAutomation_Rockwell_Table1.png","width":1626,"height":698},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/how-to-manage-data-collection-and-distribution-on-a-unified-platform\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to manage data collection and distribution on a unified platform"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/","name":"Control Engineering","description":"Control Engineering covers and educates about automation, control and instrumentation technologies","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#organization","name":"Control Engineering","url":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce_logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce_logo.png","width":300,"height":93,"caption":"Control Engineering"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ControlEngineeringMagazine","https:\/\/x.com\/controlengtips","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/control-engineering-magazine\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/person\/95b2a8682c46f4ae90c170b265b9f5f8","name":"Sheri Kasprzak","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f6306210094147bb5c7004260197732685a63f208a811b2a6ad548e4152a5e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f6306210094147bb5c7004260197732685a63f208a811b2a6ad548e4152a5e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Sheri Kasprzak"},"url":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/author\/sheri-kasprzak\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=129276"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129276\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=129276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=129276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=129276"},{"taxonomy":"tracking-metric","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tracking-metrics?post=129276"},{"taxonomy":"display-location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/display-location?post=129276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}