Quick newb automation question

[RobbieOByrne]

I’m about to buy a cheap do it yourself BCS. There is a PID. As I go down this automation forum rabbit hole I keep asking myself... why do I need anything but the board and wires? Why can’t an automation system receive my temps, pumps, Element, alarms, lights, collect data, and register abnormalities on a app in my phone?

I build PCs... it seems and not quite grasping this. I’m plugging all the wiring into a PID and switches when I should just plug into a board...?

 

[BrunDog]

I agree. Dedicated hardware... while reliable and typically low cost-ish, does not have any flexibility or room for expansion.