Indicators are devices used to monitor and display specific process variables (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, level, speed, etc.). They provide a visual representation of the system's parameters for observation but do not influence the process directly. Typically, indicators are used in measurement systems that do not require automatic control.
Controllers not only monitor process variables but also adjust them to maintain the desired parameter at a specific level or within set limits. Often used in closed-loop control systems, controllers automatically regulate the process based on feedback. Commonly, controllers operate using a PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) control algorithm to ensure precise adjustments.
In industry, both indicators and controllers are crucial for monitoring and controlling automated processes, ensuring quality, safety, and energy efficiency in production systems.