This study deals with the data exchange issues based on object linking and embedding for process control (OPC) server in industrial automation systems. OPC server is a software developed to solve the driver device problem, where the first-tier visualization and supervisory control and data acquisition (scada) applications needed to have a standard way for reading and writing data from devices on the factory floor in process control. In this paper, the aim of the study was to control the water tank filling system through the programmable logic controller (PLC) and to observe the procedure by the help of SCADA The connection between the PLC and SCADA is maintained by the OPC server. With OPC server, the exchange of digital and analogue data obtained from sensors in the system can be realized with low cost and maximum performance. This paper illustrates the use of OPC server in industrial automation systems and the necessary PLC algorithms. A practical application of the design of the system is described.

Key words: OPC server, SCADA, PLC, fluid level control.