Deployment of software updates in a process control system

A method of deploying updates for nodes in a process control system comprises identifying an upgrade 1004, selecting 1006 and downloading 1008 the upgrade and metadata indicating the applicability of the upgrade for a node and automatically installing 1010 the update to a node via a workstation in communication with the process control system nodes. The automated installation may include displaying an interface for user approval of the software before installation of the upgrade to a group of nodes. The user may also configure the degree of automation of downloading and installation of the deployment system. Automation may be linked to individual nodes, groups of nodes of to the function of the nodes. An alert may also be issued to a user of the system regarding possible disruption. A management system may also be provided having a graphical interface to accept user inputs.