Full Report
The automation professionals who take the time to distill and share their knowledge are some of the greatest assets of our industry.
Analysis Summary
# Main Topic
The value and critical importance of process control books authored by experienced automation professionals as a primary, reliable source of industry knowledge, contrasting this depth with ephemeral online content from unvetted 'experts'.
## Key Points
- Experienced automation professionals who distill and share their knowledge via books are identified as crucial assets to the industry.
- Books are highlighted as superior repositories of lifetime experience compared to short-form online content (e.g., YouTube, TikTok).
- Recommended books focus on describing the process, operational objectives, limitations (safety/nominal design), mechanical design considerations, and measurement types, rather than just prescribing tuning methods.
- Key publication noted: Harold L. Wade’s *Basic and Advanced Regulatory Control: System Design and Application* (ISA book, 3rd Edition).
- Key publication noted: Greg McMillan’s *Tuning and Control Loop Performance* (4th Edition).
- Key publications noted from Hans D. Baumann: *Control Valve Primer* (5th Edition) and *Fluid Mechanics of Control Valves: How Valves Control Your Process*.
- Greg McMillan's new book: *Advanced pH Measurement and Control - Digital Twin Synergy and Advances in Technology,* Fourth Edition.
## Threat Actors
This report does not detail specific malicious threat actors, campaigns, or cyber incidents. The discussion is centered on identifying credible subject matter experts in industrial automation and process control.
## TTPs
No cyber TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) are associated with this content summary. The focus is on knowledge dissemination via publications.
## Affected Systems
The content primarily discusses established **Process Control Systems**, including:
- Measurements
- Final Control Elements (e.g., control valves, pumps, compressors)
- Control Strategies
- Controller Algorithms and Tuning
## Mitigations
The primary mitigation recommended is knowledge acquisition and reliance on peer-reviewed, experienced-based literature:
- Prioritize books that detail process fundamentals, operational intent, design constraints, and mechanical considerations.
- Utilize resources provided by industry organizations like the ISA to identify genuine experts.
- Attend technical programs featuring trusted authors (e.g., McMillan presentation in October 2025).
## Conclusion
The report emphasizes that the enduring value of published works by veteran automation professionals far surpasses informal online expertise. To solve complex automation challenges, practitioners should rely on these detailed, experience-based publications to ensure proper system design and control strategy implementation.