The reasons for a control system modernization project do not appear overnight. They gather and grow over time while productivity, process availability, and enterprise profits degrade-often without management and operations realizing why. The following key indicators usually mean a control system modernization or migration project is on the horizon. 

Expense. The automation system is expensive to keep healthy.

• Replacement parts are difficult to obtain, expensive, or nonexistent.
• Expertise on legacy technology is expensive and difficult to find.
• Onsite, skilled, expert support dwindles as individuals retire. 

Decreasing value. The automation system has few tools and technologies to help meet current business needs and market pressures.

• The current automation system offers limited flexibility to address operational needs and demands.
• The current technology limits the ability to easily address industry regulations and competitive pressures.
• Expansion of the process or system is limited by the site's automation technology.
• The ability to address personnel capabilities and effectiveness is limited by the site system, and limits the span of control because it's required to do more with less.