---
title: "Control system performance: Which figures should be considered?"
date: 2018-07-06T13:47:00-04:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/control-system-performance-which-figures-should-be-considered"
section: Publications
---
How can a manager or supervisor address a control system performance issue? Do control loops provide value for money?

We suggest a three-step approac­h to answer these fundamental questions and suggest a few aspects to consider at each step.

 

1. ## Are the controls used?
    
    
    - The method used is the system’s intended control method (automatic or cascade, not manual)
    - The control element (valve, variable speed drive or other) does not reach its limits
    - There is no interlock to prevent the controller from performing its functions.
    - The equipment is operating
    
    When all four of the statements are true, a system is being used. Incidentally, these statements should be true over 90% of the time for all control loops.
    
    ## Are the controls functional?
    
    Each control loop should lead the process to the set point on schedule. To do so, the loop must be stable, without oscillation. Thus, control systems are deemed functional provided:
    
    
    - the oscillation index is below 0.4 (any oscillations disappear quickly)
    - the stiction is weak
    - the settling time is ± 50% of what is expected
    
    Systems are functional when all three of the above conditions are met. These conditions should be met over 90% of the time for all control loops.
    
    ## Are the controls efficient?
    
    Controls are considered efficient if the systems can maintain the variable value at the set point. Performance is usually measured with one of the following methods:
    
    
    - variability
    - integral of absolute error (IAE)
    - overshoot or maximum permissible error
    
    The degree to which the objective is achieved must be measured for each loop. This value should exceed 90% for all loops.
    
    Overall performance is obtained by multiplying the following:
    
    %Use \* %Operation \* %Performance.
    
    In fact, the longer the observation period, the higher targets should be.
    
    For more information on this topic, contact our experts.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA

 

    1. ![Michel Ruel](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/3310/Michel-Ruel.webp)   
    
     Michel Ruel, P.Eng.
    
    Expert, Process Control
    
         [  ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelruel/)
 
 

       

  

  

 

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     Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance 
    
     
    
     
    
    
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- [  02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing 
    
     
    
     
    
    
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      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [  19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Speed is earned early in projects 
    
     
    
     
    
    
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- [  17 Jun 2026 
    
     Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp)   
        
         Pierre Boucher, P.Eng.
        
        Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations")
 
 

       

 

 [ See all 

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") 

 

   

 Let’s  
think it further  
together [ Contact us    

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) 

 

   

  How can a manager or supervisor address a control system performance issue? Do control loops provide value for money?

We suggest a three-step approac­h to answer these fundamental questions and suggest a few aspects to consider at each step.

 

1. ## Are the controls used?
    
    
    - The method used is the system’s intended control method (automatic or cascade, not manual)
    - The control element (valve, variable speed drive or other) does not reach its limits
    - There is no interlock to prevent the controller from performing its functions.
    - The equipment is operating
    
    When all four of the statements are true, a system is being used. Incidentally, these statements should be true over 90% of the time for all control loops.
    
    ## Are the controls functional?
    
    Each control loop should lead the process to the set point on schedule. To do so, the loop must be stable, without oscillation. Thus, control systems are deemed functional provided:
    
    
    - the oscillation index is below 0.4 (any oscillations disappear quickly)
    - the stiction is weak
    - the settling time is ± 50% of what is expected
    
    Systems are functional when all three of the above conditions are met. These conditions should be met over 90% of the time for all control loops.
    
    ## Are the controls efficient?
    
    Controls are considered efficient if the systems can maintain the variable value at the set point. Performance is usually measured with one of the following methods:
    
    
    - variability
    - integral of absolute error (IAE)
    - overshoot or maximum permissible error
    
    The degree to which the objective is achieved must be measured for each loop. This value should exceed 90% for all loops.
    
    Overall performance is obtained by multiplying the following:
    
    %Use \* %Operation \* %Performance.
    
    In fact, the longer the observation period, the higher targets should be.
    
    For more information on this topic, contact our experts.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA