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Terminology

Below are the key terms used in the DataPortal system. Understanding these terms will make it easier to configure, operate and interpret data in the system.

SCADA System¶

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) – a system for supervising, collecting and visualising process data.

In the context of DataPortal, this means a cloud-based platform that enables:

  • collecting data from telemetry devices,
  • archiving and analysing it,
  • presenting it as graphical screens (visualisations, charts, tables),
  • managing alarms and reports.

The DataPortal system serves as the central point of access to information from distributed locations and measurement devices.

Telemetry device¶

A telemetry device is a physical module from Inventia that performs measurement and data transmission to the DataPortal system.

The device can operate on GSM/LTE, Ethernet or NB‑IoT networks, and its main tasks are:

  • recording values from sensors and measurement inputs,
  • locally buffering data,
  • sending data to the DataPortal server at specified intervals or when events occur (e.g. alarms).

Each telemetry device is identified by a serial number and IMEI number.

Data source¶

A data source in the DataPortal system is a virtual device that mirrors a physical telemetry device.

Its task is to ensure data continuity regardless of hardware replacement.

Thanks to this:

  • historical data and configuration remain in the system even after replacing the physical module,
  • a new device can be assigned to an existing data source without losing the archive,
  • reports, visualisations and alarms continue to operate uninterrupted.

A data source therefore constitutes a logical object in the system, with associated variables, charts, alarms and reports.

Tag¶

A tag is a single variable in the system that represents a specific measured value or logical state originating from a telemetry device.

Each tag has:

  • a name and unit (e.g. Temperature [°C], Level [%]),
  • an assigned data source,
  • a history of values and timestamps,
  • optional alarm thresholds.

Tags are a fundamental element of visualisations and reports in a SCADA system. They can be presented in charts, tables, gauge panels or as elements of graphical screens.

SCADA screen¶

A SCADA screen (also known as a synoptic screen) is a graphical interface that displays current data from telemetry devices in a visual and interactive way.

On a SCADA screen you can place:

  • graphic elements symbolising real objects (e.g. tanks, pumps, valves),
  • indicators, counters and charts presenting current tag values,
  • animations reflecting changing states of devices (e.g. flow, opening, level).

SCADA screens allow the user to:

  • monitor processes in real time,
  • analyse readings in a graphical context,
  • quickly identify alarms and irregularities.

Screens can be created, edited and assigned to projects, and then shared with users of the DataPortal system.