Automatic detection of designated controller in a distributed control system using a web client

A control system, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of controllers. Each of the plurality of controllers is configured to provide process data to a human-machine interface (HMI) client when selected as a designated controller. A first controller of the plurality of controllers is a current designated controller and is configured to communicate with the HMI client. The control system also includes designated controller selection logic configured to detect an interruption in communication between the current designated controller and the HMI client, poll each of the plurality of controllers for a response, determine which of the plurality of controllers responds first, and select the controller that responds first as the next designated controller.