  The Detector Control System (DCS) of the COMPASS experiment at CERN is
presented. The experiment has a high level of complexity and flexibility and a
long time of operation, that constitute a challenge for its full monitorisation
and control. A strategy to use a limited number of standardised,
cost-effective, industrial solutions of hardware and software was pursued. When
such solutions were not available or could not be used, customised solutions
were developed.
