Project Management: A Technician's Guide, 2nd Edition

Books on project management typically focus on the theory of project management and the role of the project manager or project engineer. None address managing an automation project where the focus is operational technology. This text explores project management from a technician’s perspective. In addition, the second edition addresses changes to managing automation projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, team diversity, project teams working remotely, and changes in regulations and standards.

Subjects include documentation requirements, communication requirements, planning and resource coordination, monitoring and control, administration, and closeout. These subjects are covered in domains six (project organization) and seven (administration) of the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) exam. As a bonus, the final chapter follows CCSTs through six automation projects. The book is a must-read for technicians preparing for this exam and those who manage technicians during automation projects.

Leo Staples has more than 38 years of power industry experience with Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E). He has worked in the areas of automation, analysis, performance and compliance testing, natural gas measurement, predictive maintenance, compliance, and business resiliency; and he has provided consulting services to external customers.
A few of his noteworthy projects include:
-Project manager for a project to design and produce a fully computerized boiler optimization test system for fossil-fuel power generation units
-Technical lead for a Continuous Emissions Monitoring project, which consisted of 13 power generation units
-Project manager for the electrical, instrumentation, and controls portions of a project to reactivate 2 1940s fossil-fuel power generation units
A Fellow in the International Society of Automation (ISA), Staples has authored and delivered technical and leadership papers at various events around the world. In 2011, Staples served as the ISA president. Since 2008, he has served in various leadership positions in the Automation Federation, and he chaired the organization in 2012. Staples served on the Automation Federation Cybersecurity team that worked with the White House and NIST on the creation and implementation of the Cybersecurity Framework, and he currently chairs the Automation Federation Energy Committee.
Since Leo retired from the company in December 2016, he has been providing consulting services through his company, Automation Solutions Advisors, LLC. In 2021, the company expanded its services to include physical, cybersecurity, and operational risk assessments for rural water systems. Leo is also involved in other business ventures like Staples Farm and Staples Properties & Construction, LLC. Staples Farm is a family business that follows regenerative agriculture practices and uses automation technologies to improve productivity and manage operations. Additionally, Leo and his son Jonathan own and operate rental properties, and they provide consulting services for construction projects, including new construction and remodels.