What is the role of a control strategy in automation?

The role of a control strategy in automation is fundamentally centered around determining how best to achieve desired performance and efficiency objectives. A control strategy provides a systematic approach to monitor and adjust the operating conditions of a system to ensure that it meets predefined performance goals. This is critical in automated processes, as it enables the system to maintain stability, improve productivity, and optimize process efficiency by coordinating various components and controlling how they interact with each other.

In contrast to random adjustments, which could lead to instability and unpredictable results, a well-defined control strategy is based on established performance criteria and analytical methods. This strategic planning involves utilizing models and control algorithms to fine-tune system parameters effectively.

While eliminating the need for operator intervention may be a direct outcome of effective control strategies, it is not the primary role; instead, it is a benefit of automation in general. Similarly, while some control systems may generate reports on performance, generating reports is more of an ancillary function rather than a core responsibility of a control strategy itself. The essence of a control strategy lies in its intentional design to optimize performance and efficiency rather than merely reacting or providing data.