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Author Q&A Project Management: A Technician's Guide, Second Edition

Project Management A Technicians Guide 2nd edition
Author Leo Staples discusses updates to the newest edition of his book, Project Management: A Technician's Guide, Second Edition
 

What are some key differences between this book and the previous edition?

Work on the second edition started during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This edition addresses the pandemic’s impact on automation projects and project management. These include shortages of materials, project teams working remotely, rapid deployment of Internet of Things technology, and the increased cybersecurity risk at all project stages. All of which present new challenges to managing successful automation projects.

Chapter 8 has been updated and expanded to give readers a better sense of the roles CCSTs play in automation projects in different industry sectors. The automation projects discussed in this chapter include oil and gas, water treatment, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food automation projects.
 

What key points do you want to highlight for potential readers?

This text explores project management from a technician’s perspective. 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 two CCSTs through a control system replacement project. The book is a must-read for technicians preparing for this exam and those who manage technicians during automation projects.
 

How is this book different from others written on this subject?

Books on project management typically focus on the theory of project management and the role of the PM or project engineer. This text explores project management from a technician’s perspective.
 

Who will benefit most from this book?

Technicians who are working towards CCST certification. Engineers and project managers who are unfamiliar with the roles CCSTs play in project management for automation projects.


Tell us a little about your background and experience with project management.

On December 1, 2016,  I retired after over 38 years of power industry experience with Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E). While at OG&E,  I worked in automation, analysis, performance and environmental compliance testing, natural gas measurement, predictive maintenance, regulatory compliance, and business resiliency. I provided consulting services to external customers in midstream natural gas, water\wastewater, and manufacturing.

The following are a few of  my noteworthy projects:
  • Project manager for a project to design and produce a fully automated 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 two 1940s fossil fuel power generation units
From 1994 through 2008,  I managed a sizeable technical workgroup that supported OG&E’s power plants in automation, testing, and reliability. In 2012,  I was promoted to an executive position as senior manager, where I led the Utility Operational Compliance and Emergency Management organizations until retirement.

Following retirement,  I began efforts to bring the family farm back into production; created a consulting company, Automation Solutions Advisors, LLC; and was the builder for a home on the farm. The latest company, Staples Properties & Construction, LLC, uses project management experience and a network of product and service providers.
 

About Leo Staples

Leo Staples image
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.