Why Process Control Books Remain Essential for Industrial Automation Experts
From the Editor: Process Control Books Help You Identify Real Experts
The Value of Books in Industrial Automation
In today’s digital age, platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer countless tutorials on PLCs, DCS, and loop tuning. However, these sources often provide fragmented advice without the context of real-world process control experience. Books, on the other hand, consolidate decades of knowledge and provide structured guidance for control systems, instrumentation, and factory automation. Moreover, they help engineers understand operational objectives, constraints, and process-specific requirements.Understanding Process Fundamentals Through Expert Literature
Michael Taube, a process industries consultant, emphasizes that many professionals attempt to adapt the process to their tools rather than tailoring instruments and control loops to the process itself. Therefore, books that explain process behavior, mechanical considerations, and measurement strategies remain invaluable. For instance, understanding the differences between centrifugal pumps versus positive-displacement pumps or online versus laboratory quality measurements can significantly improve control system design.Recommended References for Controllers and Tuning
Industry experts consistently recommend Harold L. Wade’s Basic and Advanced Regulatory Control: System Design and Application, now in its third edition. Additionally, Greg McMillan’s Tuning and Control Loop Performance, Fourth Edition is praised as a must-have for automation professionals. These references combine theoretical knowledge with practical insights, bridging the gap between classroom learning and factory floor implementation.Learning from Lifetime Experience in Automation
Books allow authors to share experiences that short online videos cannot. For example, Hans D. Baumann’s Control Valve Primer and Fluid Mechanics of Control Valves reflect decades of real-world valve operation knowledge. Similarly, McMillan’s latest work, Advanced pH Measurement and Control - Digital Twin Synergy and Advances in Technology, Fourth Edition, integrates both field experience and emerging techniques in control systems, illustrating how industrial automation continues evolving.Navigating ISA Book Distribution
This year, ISA has transitioned its book distribution to Wiley, temporarily limiting print availability on isa.org. Kindle and ePub formats remain accessible, while full availability in both print and digital formats begins in January 2026. Meanwhile, VitalSource and Amazon provide ebook and Kindle options, ensuring professionals maintain access to essential process control references.Practical Insights for Automation Professionals
Books provide more than theory; they guide engineers in applying PLCs, DCS systems, and advanced control strategies in real industrial environments. For instance, proper loop tuning, controller selection, and process monitoring rely on understanding both instrumentation limitations and operational goals. As a result, investing time in expert-written literature equips engineers to make better decisions and optimize system performance.Applications and Solution Scenarios
- Flow Measurement and Control: Engineers can apply principles from control valve literature to enhance accuracy in pipeline and pump systems.
- pH and Chemical Process Control: McMillan’s insights help implement digital twin strategies and advanced pH monitoring in chemical plants.
- Factory Automation and Energy Systems: Books offer guidance on integrating PLCs and DCS for energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and scalable automation.





