What has happened to the Enthusiasm for Computer Control in the Chemical and Petroleum Industries?

The enthusiasm for Computer Control and Optimization relative to 20 years ago has almost vanished.  The evidence of this is all around us.  The Real Time Optimization and Control session of the 2014 AICHE meeting in New Orleans was almost unattended.    Further, 20 years ago there were many publications that described the profitability and success of RTO and Multivariable Predictive Control.  Today there are essentially none!  What has happened?

A number of problems have surfaced that the writer believes has led to the loss in interest in Process Control and Optimization in the Process Industries.  Some of these require technological solutions, while others require management solutions.  It is worth understanding these problems considering the money that is being left on the table.  20 years ago it was not uncommon to see control projects on a major process unit producing 4 to 8 million dollars per year. This presentation will expand on the reasons behind this situation and provide recommendations on how it can be corrected.