What is ICS (Industrial Control Systems)?
ICS, or Industrial Control Systems, is a collective term for all the technologies used to control, monitor and automate industrial processes.
ICS systems are deployed in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, water management, transport and chemicals — wherever physical processes are digitally controlled.
🧱 What does ICS include?
ICS comprises various components and systems, including:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) | Drives machines and processes based on measured values |
| SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) | For monitoring, visualisation and remote operation |
| DCS (Distributed Control System) | Distributed control of large-scale processes |
| RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) | Often deployed remotely for measurement and control |
| HMI (Human Machine Interface) | Operator screen |
🧠 What does an ICS do?
An ICS:
- Collects data from sensors and field devices
- Drives actuators to adjust processes
- Provides operators with insight into real-time performance
- Automates industrial processes (e.g. dosing, mixing, heating)
- Often responds in real time or near real time
🏭 Examples of use
- Control of a drinking water treatment plant
- Operation of an oil pumping station
- Monitoring of energy consumption in a factory
- Control of conveyors and robotic arms
🔐 Securing ICS
ICS systems are often connected to IT networks but contain vulnerable equipment that was originally not designed with cybersecurity in mind. That’s why network segmentation, the Zone and Conduits model, and standards such as IEC 62443 are crucial for ICS security.
📌 In summary
ICS is the backbone of industrial automation, comprising systems that automatically drive and monitor processes. They are critical to the operation of infrastructure, factories and installations — but also require dedicated attention to security and reliability.