Abstract
A method of automated plant control executed by a programmable controller includes generating a template including a defined number of steps to achieve a plant parameter overall change between plant parameter overall initial and final values. Each of the defined number of steps has a respective step change between a respective step initial and final values. The template is generated based on at least a second degree polynomial function extending between the overall initial and final values. The programmable controller also determines a respective control signal value for each of the steps, the respective control signal value determined based on a relative magnitude of the step change with respect to the overall change. The programmable controller implements each of the steps in sequence by outputting the respective control signal value until a sensed current plant parameter value reaches the respective plant parameter step final value.