What does "process control" refer to?

Process control refers to the practices and technologies employed to monitor and manage various processes in order to achieve desired outcomes. This entails the continuous observation and regulation of process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, and levels to ensure that operations remain within set parameters, thereby delivering consistent and efficient performance.

The essence of process control is to optimize production processes, maintain quality standards, and enhance safety. By applying control strategies—such as feedback loops, PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controls, and automation—process control helps in effectively managing complex systems, ensuring that they operate as intended under varying conditions.

In this context, the focus is on achieving specific production goals, improving operational efficiency, and minimizing waste, which makes understanding process control a foundational aspect for anyone working within control systems.