what is dcs system

A Distributed Control System (DCS) is a computerized control system for a process or plant, usually with many control loops, in which autonomous controllers are distributed throughout the system, but there is no central operator supervisory control. The DCS concept increases reliability and reduces installation costs by localizing control functions near the process plant, with remote monitoring and supervision. DCSs are made up of control elements distributed throughout a plant or factory, including computers, sensors, and controllers, with each element serving a specific purpose, such as data collection, data storage, or process control. The distribution of control system architecture around the plant has led to more efficient ways to improve reliability of control, process quality, and plant efficiency. DCSs are used across the process control industries to supervise complex production processes, but they are more widely deployed at large, continuous manufacturing plants such as those in the petrochemical industry.