A method for operating an automation arrangement, having a manipulator and an input/output module for automated production and also a computer apparatus uses the computer apparatus to execute a PLC computer program for providing a programmable logic controller for the input/output module, which PLC computer program is communitively connected to the input/output module via a module bus for the purpose of actuating said input/output module. The method is characterized in that the computer apparatus is used to execute a cell control computer program for actuating the PLC computer program via a PLC interface of the PLC computer program, in that the cell control computer program provides an NC controller for the manipulator and in that the cell-control computer program is communicatively connected to the manipulator via a network bus for the purpose of actuating said manipulator.