Making advanced control work

The benefits which advanced control technology can bring are significant and varied. Benefits derive from greatly improved dynamic performance of aerospace systems or substantially improved profitability for process systems. An advanced controller on a catalytic cracking unit is quite capable of yielding extra profits of between $5 and $10 million per annum, for example. The fundamental principle underlying advanced control is that if one understands a system better one can make it perform better. The paper considers the evolution of successful implementations of advanced control, including hardware and software technology. It discusses the use of computer aided control system design.<>