The top articles in Control Engineering this month covered topics like PID tuning, DCS migration and the 2026 System Integrators of the Year.
Control Engineering’s most-read articles from November 2025 reveal a clear theme: Engineers are seeking practical guidance for tackling real-world challenges while preparing for the future of automation. From advanced PID troubleshooting and controller selection to system integrator achievements, brownfield upgrade strategies and research shaping tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce, these top 10 stories highlight the innovations, pain points and opportunities shaping today’s control and automation landscape.
1. PID spotlight, part 21: Noise: Can I tune around it?
I have a noisy process. How does that affect my PID controller? Can I tune my controller like I always do, or do I have to change tuning because of the noise?
2. PID spotlight, part 20: How to tune with sticking control valves
Sticking control valves warp loop-tuning results. Is that a nuisance or a potential disaster? Which way does a sticking valve warp the results and can we compensate? See three things about loop tuning with a sticking control valve.
3. The challenges of legacy systems and benefits of new technology in DCS migration
How one chemical plant navigated a complex control system upgrade to improve safety, efficiency and future readiness.
4. 2026 System Integrator of the Year: Mission-critical power, data center
Thermo Systems wins in the over $40 million in system integration revenue category, aims to drive customer success through reliability.
5. More answers about how to select the right controller type
System integration experts provide more on “How to select the right controller type for the automation application,” a Sept. 25 Control Engineering webcast, below answering more audience questions than webcast time allowed.
6. New facility strengthens manufacturing education and research
Arizona State University’s new ISTB 12 building supports training, research and industry collaboration in advanced manufacturing.
7. System Integrator of the Year, 2026
Omnicon (under $20 million), Vertech ($20 million to $40 million), and Thermo Systems (over $40 million) received recognition from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering in this 19th annual award.
8. 7 ways to mitigate brownfield automation integration risks
Smart automation integration requires even smarter planning. Here are the key considerations to make sure your next facility automation and controls upgrade is a success.
9. Motor and Drives 2025 study: What improvements buyers want
Most would be open to trying other brands of motors and drives, but easier programming and configuration are needed, says Control Engineering research.
10. How a controls system upgrade boosts your plant’s efficiency
Upgrading a plant’s controls system can significantly boost efficiency and extend the life of existing equipment, rather than requiring full equipment replacement.
Check out the top articles from October here.
