SCADA
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a computer system used to monitor and control industrial processes. Think of it as a central control room system that helps operators keep track of manufacturing equipment, production lines, and facility systems. In pharmaceutical companies, SCADA systems help ensure medicines are made safely and consistently by monitoring things like temperature, pressure, and equipment performance. It's similar to having a smart home system, but for industrial facilities - it shows what's happening in real-time and allows operators to make adjustments when needed.
Examples in Resumes
Managed SCADA systems for three production lines in vaccine manufacturing facility
Implemented new SCADA monitoring solutions resulting in 30% reduction in quality deviations
Trained operators on SCADA system operation and basic troubleshooting
Typical job title: "SCADA Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find SCADA Engineers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a SCADA system upgrade in a running pharmaceutical facility?
Expected Answer: Should discuss planning around production schedules, validation requirements, backup systems, operator training, and ensuring minimal disruption to manufacturing operations while maintaining compliance.
Q: What strategies would you use to ensure data integrity in SCADA systems?
Expected Answer: Should explain backup procedures, audit trails, access controls, and how to maintain regulatory compliance while ensuring accurate data collection and storage.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you troubleshoot communication issues between SCADA and production equipment?
Expected Answer: Should describe systematic approach to identifying connection problems, checking hardware connections, verifying software settings, and basic network troubleshooting steps.
Q: What considerations are important when setting up SCADA alarms?
Expected Answer: Should discuss prioritization of alarms, avoiding alarm fatigue, ensuring appropriate response procedures, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a SCADA system?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain main parts like control room displays, sensors, controllers, and how they work together to monitor and control equipment.
Q: How do you document changes made to SCADA systems?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of change control procedures, documentation requirements, and basic regulatory compliance needs.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of SCADA software operation
- Monitoring system alarms and alerts
- Basic troubleshooting
- Documentation and reporting
Mid (2-5 years)
- System configuration and maintenance
- Equipment integration
- Alarm management
- Operator training
Senior (5+ years)
- System architecture design
- Validation and compliance management
- Project management
- Emergency response planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of pharmaceutical industry regulations
- Lack of experience with documentation requirements
- No knowledge of data integrity principles
- Limited understanding of good manufacturing practices (GMP)
Related Terms
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