Improved operation can be attained by increasing the quantity and quality of personnel involved and/or by using modern control systems similar to those currently used in industry. The need for an increase in the quantity and quality of personnel is well known. The prospect of improving plant operation through the use of modern control systems is not as well recognized. Much of the work in this area has been more concerned with the replacement of personnel through automation. In the author's opinion, the improvement of product quality which can be obtained by proper control is equal to or greater in significance than any reduction in labor costs which may be obtained. This paper is concerned with both the control systems which may be used in plant operation and the educational needs of engineers responsible for plant operation.