Like most process industries, oil and gas operations may be using outdated control systems with components nearing end-of-life. While this can be an opportunity to upgrade to the latest automation technologies, especially to boost efficiencies and operating margins, the risk of disruption and downtime can forestall the needed steps to move ahead. But operators can minimize that risk with careful planning and consideration of the steps outlined in this white paper. Three specific scenarios illustrate how oil and gas operators can migrate and upgrade to newer systems with minimum, if any, disruption. Annual returns on an investment in modernized automation can be as much as 30 percent, paying for the upgrade in a very short time while positioning an oil and gas facility’s operation to be more efficient, profitable and competitive for years to come.