SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) architecture is a system framework for monitoring and controlling geographically dispersed assets from a centralized location. The architecture typically includes remote terminal units (RTUs) or PLCs at field sites, communication networks, and a master station with operator displays, data historians, and alarm management. SCADA systems are standard for pipelines, well pads, tank farms, and other distributed infrastructure where local autonomous control must be supervised remotely.