DDC is a "direct digital controller" while the PLC is a "programmable logic controller"
Usually the DDC is designed for Building Automation and Control System, meaning for the Building System wherein the HVAC, Lighting Control, Electrical Power System and other Building system requires for the monitoring, trending and control based. This is being called Energy Monitoring and Control System or EMCS. They have a common protocol to DeviceNet configuration.
While the PLC is commonly used for industrial system, whereas requires more than you are expected for monitoring, trend and controlling. SCADA is goes with it for real-time simulation, monitoring and controlling of the process variables based on the field mounted instruments.
I think, you may consider the PLC for blast furnace control.