Top 9 Process control software of 2026

What is process control software?

Process control software is a platform that helps monitor and control industrial processes so they run efficiently, safely, and within set thresholds. It collects data from sensors, analyzers, and other devices, then uses that data to make real-time adjustments and keep conditions on track. Quality engineers and plant managers in manufacturing, chemical processing, oil and gas, and power generation rely on it daily, since precise control over complex processes is critical for product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Types of process control systems: SPC, APC, SCADA, DCS, and PLC

Process control software covers a few distinct categories:

• Statistical Process Control (SPC) tracks quality data over time to catch variation before it becomes a defect.

• Advanced Process Control (APC) uses algorithms to fine-tune complex processes automatically.

• SCADA and DCS systems manage plant-wide operations across multiple sites or units.

• PLCs handle the moment-to-moment control of individual machines.

Most manufacturers use a mix of these, depending on the scale and complexity of their operations.

Importance

• Quality engineers catch defects before they reach customers, since the software flags out-of-spec readings the moment they happen.

• Plant managers cut downtime by fixing small issues before they turn into unplanned stops.

• Operations teams keep processes aligned with quality standards, which cuts defects, rework, and complaints.

• Teams get detailed data and analytics, so they can spot quality issues proactively instead of reacting after the fact.

Key features

It's always best to choose platforms and tools based on what your team actually needs. That said, look for these must-have capabilities when evaluating process control software, including support for compliance frameworks such as ISO 9001:

• Real-time data acquisition and monitoring, so teams catch deviations as they happen

• Alarm management and notification, so the right person gets alerted immediately

• Trend analysis and reporting, to spot patterns before they cause downtime

• Batch management and recipe control, for consistent output across every run

• Historian and data archiving, to keep an audit-ready record of every process change

• Regulatory compliance support, to help meet standards such as ISO 9001 and FDA Good Manufacturing Practice

How Mitti (by SafetyCulture) supports process control programs

Process control software handles the technical side of monitoring and adjusting production variables. Platforms like Mitti (by SafetyCulture) work alongside these systems by giving quality and process engineers a way to act on what that data shows. Inspections let operators log out-of-spec readings and deviations the moment they happen on the floor, and Actions route the issue to the right person automatically instead of waiting for a shift report.

This matters most for manufacturers working toward standards such as ISO 9001 or IATF 16949, where a documented, timestamped response to a process deviation is part of the audit trail. Instead of separate paper logs, teams get one record that shows what happened, who responded and when it was resolved, sitting alongside the SPC and APC data their control systems are already tracking.

How to choose the right process control software

Since choosing the right platform for your team can be tough, here's a quick comparison of the platforms featured above to help you find the ideal fit:

* billed annually