A SCADA system can perform the following functions:

To interconnect the remote automation stations, exchanging functional data between them.

Example: Diagram of a complex telecom network. 

To perform automated control functions in every station, according to the state of the other connected control stations.

Example: A tank may request from a remote pump room to activate a pump, when water level reaches a predefined point. If water recourses are not sufficient the tank can dispatch the same request to a different pump room.

To present at a central control point the functional state of all devices/components of the automated system. The operator at the control room has a complete view of the state of every station, regardless of its location.

Example: Diagram from sewage plant installation

To allow the control room operator to control remotely the devices of the automated system.

Example: Remote control window of a pump house.

To allow the control room operator to control remotely the devices of the automated system.

Example: In the above diagram is depicted the fluctuation of water level in a tank for a certain period of time (one week), blue line, in contrast with the same period of time, a year ago (yellow line).

To depict and log the errors that occur at any part of the system to the central control point.

Example: Error notification window

To offer the ability for remote notification functionality in case of emergency or malfunction. The notification can be sent to a mobile phone, as an SMS message or to a pager.