This paper discusses the evolution in technology which has led to today's Power Management Control System facility automation systems. A summary of current, ''state-of-the-art'' functionality within the different component, network and software categories that make up PMCS systems is provided. This will enable the readers to begin to identify their companies' own MCS needs, explore the expected economic benefits and interact with prospective suppliers regarding their capabilities. Lastly, we cover some worst cafe outage scenarios for which these systems can serve to prevent or minimize the effects of.