Getting Started

Getting Started

Overview

This page provides a quick introduction to SCADA-LTS and guides you through the basic steps required to start working with the system. It is intended for new users who want to understand the general workflow before diving into detailed configuration.

For a deeper understanding of core concepts, see SCADA-LTS Concepts.

New to SCADA-LTS? Explore our sandbox environments, example configurations, and live demonstration setups in the Scada-LTS Sandbox Servers section and quickly get familiar with real-world SCADA-LTS deployments and features.

What is SCADA-LTS?

SCADA-LTS is an open-source, web-based SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system used to monitor, collect, and visualize data from various sources such as industrial devices, protocols, and external services.

It allows you to:

• Connect to external systems using different communication protocols
• Collect and store data in real time
• Visualize data using dashboards and graphical views
• Configure alarms and notifications
• Integrate with external systems via API (see REST APIs)

Basic Workflow

The typical workflow in SCADA-LTS consists of the following steps:

1. Install the software
2. Create a Data Source
3. Add Data Points to the Data Source
4. Monitor values using Watch Lists
5. Build visualization using Graphical Views
6. Configure alarms and notifications

Each step is explained below with links to detailed documentation.

Step 1: Install the software

Scada-LTS is a Free Software, provided under the GPL license from the Free Software Foundation.
It is mainly developed in Java, so it is portable, but the recommanded platform for highly reliable, efficient, professional use is Linux.

See:

• Installation_and_Deployment

Step 2: Create a Data Source

A Data Source defines how SCADA-LTS connects to an external system (e.g., BACnet, Modbus, HTTP).

To configure Data Sources, go to: Data Sources → New Data Source

See:

• Data Sources and Data Points

Step 3: Add Data Points

Data Points represent individual values (e.g., temperature, pressure, status) retrieved from a Data Source.

Each Data Source can have multiple Data Points.

To configure Data Points, go to: Data Sources → Edit → Data Points

See:

• Data Sources and Data Points

Step 4: Monitor Data (Watch Lists)

Watch Lists allow you to observe real-time values of selected Data Points.

To use Watch Lists, go to: Watch Lists → New Watch List

See:

• Visualization and Monitoring

Step 5: Create Visualizations

SCADA-LTS allows you to build graphical dashboards using Graphical Views and Synoptic Panels.

To create a view: Graphical Views → New View

You can add components such as:

• Charts
• Gauges
• Indicators
• Images and SVG elements

See:

• Visualization and Monitoring

Step 6: Configure Alarms

Alarms are used to detect abnormal conditions and trigger actions or notifications.

They are typically configured using:

• Event Detectors (on Data Points)
• Event Handlers (actions)

See:

• Alarms and Events

Next Steps

Once you understand the basic workflow, you can continue with:

• SCADA-LTS Concepts – detailed explanation of system architecture and components
• Installation and Deployment – how to install and run SCADA-LTS
• Users and Permissions – manage access and security
• Import and Export – move configurations between environments
• REST APIs – integrate SCADA-LTS with external systems

Tips

• Start with a simple Data Source (e.g., Virtual or HTTP) for testing
• Keep naming consistent (use meaningful names and XIDs)
• Use Watch Lists for quick debugging before building full views
• Gradually expand your configuration instead of building everything at once