Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Supervisory level
Also known as: Supervisory control level, Level 2
German: Leitebene
In the automation hierarchy, the supervisory level is the layer above the field and control levels where processes are monitored and supervised, typically with SCADA systems, HMIs, alarm management and historians. In the ISA-95 / IEC 62264 functional hierarchy it corresponds to level 2 (monitoring, supervisory and automated control).
- Automation components
- Standards
In one sentence
The supervisory level is the automation layer with SCADA, HMI, alarms and historians, level 2 in the ISA-95 / IEC 62264 hierarchy.
Example
From the supervisory level, operators in the control room watch all six filling lines, acknowledge alarms and change line setpoints.
How it applies
- Engineering: The supervisory level connects the controllers below with the MES and enterprise levels above. Communication paths between levels must be designed deliberately.
- Security: Supervisory systems are frequent attack targets because they connect to both OT and IT networks. Place them in suitable Security zone structures with controlled conduits.
- Documentation: System architecture diagrams should show the levels and interfaces clearly. Operator documentation for the supervisory level covers alarm handling, trends and permitted interventions.
Supervisory level vs. control level
The control level (PLCs, DCS controllers) runs the control logic in real time. The supervisory level monitors, visualizes and gives commands, but the process should remain in a defined state if the supervisory level fails.