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Data acquisition, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and analysis software is designed to collect, record, store, analyze, and present data collected from digital devices such as sensors or gauges. This category includes data acquisition (DAQ) software for general use, as well as application-specific and device-specific software. Examples of data acquisition and analysis software include: data collection software, analog and digital signal conditioning software, instrumentation software, industrial control software, process control software, and discrete-state process control software.

DAQ software can range from simple data collection to robust applications for measurement and control in complex settings. The software is used to control tasks such as starting or stopping a counter, sending a command to an analog-to-digital converter, or gathering data points over time from a sensor. More complex DAQ software can convert acquired data into a variety of other representations, such as plots and graphs or three-dimensional graphics. Data acquisition and analysis software includes applications for data mining, data collection, and data capture.
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Last Updated: January 1, 2007
What is Data Acquisition and SCADA Software?
Data mining software analyzes large data sets to find patterns. With these vast quantities of information, data mining software is used to build predictive models or find optimal operating processes. Data mining software can also help companies design products and services to best serve specific populations of customers.

Data collection software is device-specific software used to gather and organize information. Many scientific or graphic calculators use data collection software to enhance their graphing and display capability. Other devices that use data collection software include laboratory sensors or handheld computers.

Data capture software manages the scanning, recognition, and verification of data from paper or electronic documents or other forms of automated data entry. Data capture applications also provide algorithms for consolidating and converting data for export to other systems. Data capture software systems can be configured in peer-to-peer, client/server, or web-based architectures.

Most companies and organizations use some type of data acquisition and analysis software to conduct their daily business, from laboratories, utilities, and manufacturers to all kinds of small businesses.
Data Acquisition and SCADA Software
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