A PAS is often based on open standards in contrast to a DCS (distributed control system), which is traditionally proprietary.
Process automation involves using sensors, actuators, computer technology and software engineering to help power plants and factories in industries as diverse as paper, mining and cement operate more efficiently and safely.
In the absence of process automation, plant operators have to physically monitor performance values and the quality of outputs to determine the best settings on which to run the production equipment.
Process automation simplifies this with the help of sensors at thousands of spots around the plant that collect data on temperatures, pressures, flows and so on.
The information is stored and analyzed on a computer and the entire plant and each piece of production equipment can be monitored on a large screen in a control room.