Control systems are used in everything from waste treatment facilities to nuclear power plants. The more potential danger or heavier workload involved, the greater the need to design a control system that is effective and manageable. Here are some examples of control system designs, and what these systems are capable of doing. Simple Systems ​Simple control systems are often designed with a small basic panel that contains an on/off switch or two, an emergency off button (if applicable), and a few valves or levers to control certain components within just a few feet of the control panel.