Essential Process Control Books for Industrial Automation

Process Control Books Help You Identify Real Experts

Essential Process Control Books for Industrial Automation Professionals

Industrial automation continues to evolve rapidly, with the global market projected to reach $306.2 billion by 2027 according to MarketsandMarkets. However, amidst the flood of online content, identifying genuine expertise becomes increasingly challenging.

The Value of Published Expertise in Industrial Automation

Michael Taube, a respected process industries consultant, highlights a critical issue. “Social media platforms create countless self-proclaimed experts,” he observes. “These individuals often prioritize their preconceived notions over actual process requirements.”

True professionals understand that control systems must adapt to process needs. They consider operational objectives, safety constraints, and mechanical design limitations. Industrial automation demands this comprehensive approach.

Recommended Books for Control Systems Mastery

Greg McMillan recently surveyed ten automation professionals about essential readings. Their recommendations provide valuable guidance for anyone working with PLC and DCS systems.

Key recommendations include:

✅ Harold L. Wade’s “Basic and Advanced Regulatory Control: System Design and Application” (3rd Edition)
✅ Greg McMillan’s “Tuning and Control Loop Performance” (4th Edition)
✅ Hans D. Baumann’s “Control Valve Primer” (5th Edition)

Peter Morgan emphasizes the practical value of McMillan’s work. “This reference book contains lifetime experience,” he notes. “It belongs in every automation specialist’s toolkit.”

New Publications and Industry Developments

McMillan’s latest work, “Advanced pH Measurement and Control,” represents cutting-edge industrial automation technology. The book explores digital twin applications and advanced control strategies.

The ISA St. Louis section will feature McMillan’s presentation in October 2025. All registered participants receive complimentary copies, supporting professional development in control systems.

ISA Publishing Transition to Wiley

Important changes affect how professionals access ISA publications. The organization transitions its book distribution to Wiley starting August 2025.

Current availability:

⚙️ Print editions temporarily unavailable through ISA.org
⚙️ Kindle and ePub formats remain accessible
⚙️ Full print and digital availability resumes January 2026 through Wiley

This partnership ensures broader distribution of vital industrial automation knowledge worldwide.

Practical Applications and Real-World Solutions

At World of PLC , we recognize that theoretical knowledge requires practical implementation. Our industrial automation solutions bridge this gap effectively.

Application Example: Pharmaceutical Batch Processing

A recent project required precise pH control in antibiotic production. By applying advanced control strategies from recognized industry texts, we achieved 35% faster batch cycles with improved consistency. This demonstrates how published expertise translates to tangible benefits in factory automation.

Discover how our control systems and automation solutions can optimize your operations based on proven methodologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes books more reliable than online content for industrial automation?
Books undergo rigorous peer review and represent comprehensive knowledge rather than fragmented information. They provide context and depth that short-form content cannot match.

How often should control systems professionals update their reference materials?
We recommend reviewing your technical library every 2-3 years. Critical areas like digital transformation and IIoT integration require more frequent updates to stay current.

Can traditional control strategies work with modern Industry 4.0 systems?
Absolutely. Fundamental control principles remain relevant, but implementation methods evolve. Modern systems integrate traditional wisdom with new technologies for optimal performance.