In this paper, the fractional-order controller (FOPID) and proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers are designed for a selected MIMO system having a delay. FOPID controller provides two additional control parameters which may facilitate the controller to offer more stability and flexibility. The interaction of the variables is analyzed using relative gain array (RGA) and suitable loop pairing for the process under consideration recommended. The simplified decoupler is used to reduce the undesirable process interactions between the controlled and manipulated variables. These controllers are designed for the reduced SISO process achieved after decoupling using Skogestad method.