DCS and PLC Configuration Programming, Testing, and Implementation
Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers(PLC) are both beneficial in controlling complex production automation and safety processes. The differences between the two control approaches have become minimal as technology increases, but each has some specific applications.
Put simply, a PLC is principally an industrial computer and associated sensors that controls one or more production processes while a DCS is a system of industrial computers and associated sensors that regulate controls deployed across the entire plant. Both allow manufacturers to:
- Enhance production efficiency.
- Improve employee safety.
- Ensure quality of plant assets
- Provide operation insight and integrity


Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers(PLC) are both beneficial in controlling complex production automation and safety processes. The differences between the two control approaches have become minimal as technology increases, but each has some specific applications.
Put simply, a PLC is principally an industrial computer and associated sensors that controls one or more production processes while a DCS is a system of industrial computers and associated sensors that regulate controls deployed across the entire plant. Both allow manufacturers to:
- Enhance production efficiency.
- Improve employee safety.
- Ensure quality of plant assets
- Provide operation insight and integrity
Improve or Upgrade Existing Control Systems
Western States Controls provides both DCS & PLC logic programming, configuration, testing, start-up and maintenance services. Our team of experts can help clients troubleshoot and improve or upgrade existing control systems to significantly improve plant performance, reliability, and safety.
Industries We Serve

Biodiesel/Ethanol

Food/Beverage

Geothermal Power

Mining/Metallurgy

Refining/Petro Chem/Chem

Power Generation

Pharmaceutical

Semiconductor
The Merging of Two Technologies to Meet Your Control System Needs
Both PLC and DCS technologies can control an entire plant from process visualization, process optimization, plant asset management, energy management and beyond. Whether used together or separately, PLC and DCS controllers keep your operations running smoothly so you can avoid costly downtime.
To learn more about PLC and DCS controls and our other services, please contact us here or call 925-371-9871.
Connect With Western States Controls
We make it simple to work with us in the way that is most comfortable and convenient for you. Call now, set a meeting for later, or access a virtual consult and share your project needs in just minutes. We look forward to connecting with you and learning more about how we can help enhance productivity, develop solutions to reduce cost, improve product quality, comply with government regulations, optimize safety and much more.
Read Our Case Study

Case Study: Updating and Fine-tuning Apple’s Control System
The 20’ automatic glass sliding doors that separate the Apple Store in Union Square in San Francisco from the outside street are the epitome of modern design; and a quintessential feature of the store. But competing wireless radio signals from their products to the...