Patent Number: 
Section: claims

1. A method of treating metal using an apparatus having sensors and a controller for selectively monitoring the sensors and controlling output actuators of a multi-staged metal treatment process to more accurately and reliably administer treatment, the method comprising: cleaning a metal workpiece with an alkaline solution in a first stage;  applying an ionic conditioner to the workpiece in a second stage;  applying a phosphate solution to the workpiece in a third stage;  applying a finishing overcoat in an ionic aqueous sealing agent to the workpiece in a fourth stage;  monitoring temperature and conductivity of the alkaline solution in the first stage, conductivity and pH of the conditioner in the second stage, temperature, conductivity and pH of the solution in the third stage, and conductivity and pH of the agent in the fourth stage; and  generating an alarm if any of the monitored parameters vary from desired parameters for a predetermined amount of time; and  actuating output actuators if an alarm is generated to maintain the desired parameters for the metal treatment process. 2. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises: claim 1 providing remote access, monitoring and controlling features which allow individuals who are removed from the immediate vicinity of the treatment controlling apparatus to access, monitor, control the treatment control apparatus.