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Terminology

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

SCADA system

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

DataPortal draws on the concept of SCADA systems, focusing on remote data collection, archiving, and visualization. Control functions depend on the configuration of the specific telemetry module.

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

  • collecting data from telemetry devices,
  • archiving and analyzing it,
  • presenting it in the form of graphical screens (visualizations, charts, tables),
  • managing alarms and reports.

The DataPortal system acts as a central access point for information from distributed locations and measuring devices.

Telemetry device

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

The device can operate on a GSM/LTE, Ethernet, or – for selected models – NB-IoT network, and its basic tasks are:

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

Each telemetry device is identified by a serial number, and in the case of GSM/LTE modules – also by an IMEI number.

Data source

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

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

As a result:

  • historical data and configuration remain in the system even after the physical module is replaced,
  • a new device can be assigned to an existing data source without losing the archive,
  • reports, visualizations, and alarms continue to work without interruption.

A data source is therefore a logical system object with which variables, charts, alarms, and reports are associated.

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 divided into:

  • measured – values read directly from the telemetry device,
  • calculated – values computed based on defined mathematical formulas, e.g. sums, differences, or unit conversions,
  • virtual and local – auxiliary tags used e.g. on screens.

Tags are the basic building block of visualizations and reports in the system. They can be presented on charts, in tables, counter panels, or as elements of graphical screens.

Synoptic screen

A synoptic screen (also referred to as a SCADA screen) is a graphical interface presenting current data from telemetry devices in a visual and interactive way.

A synoptic screen can include:

  • graphical elements symbolizing real-world objects (e.g. tanks, pumps, valves),
  • indicators, counters, tables, and charts presenting current or historical tag values,
  • animations reflecting changing device states (e.g. flow, opening, level),
  • controls for operating devices (e.g. switches for turning devices on/off and changing operating mode, input fields for setpoint values sent directly to devices).

Synoptic screens allow the user to:

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

Screens can be created, edited, and assigned to projects, and then made available to DataPortal system users.