Distributed versus centralized Control systems :

PLC :
1.All the control strategy lies in one central location.
If a failure occurs at that central location, whole system stops.
2.Scan time to execute the application in processor will be more and
hence difficult to get accuracy.
3.Not suitable for large applications like Power, Water, oil and gas.
DCS :
1. The whole functionality is splitted into different sub parts and
are kept and executed at different locations.
2. When a fault is occured in one part it will not affect other parts
of the control system.
3. If any one unit fails other units sitll remains active and keep on
giving production, so entire plant is not stopped.
4. Improved scantime and better accuracy.
5. Qualified for use in large industries.
6. These are more reliable and robust type of systems.