There is described a method for operating an industrial machine, the latter being e.g. a processing machine, a production machine or a manipulation robot. At least part of the operation of the industrial machine is simulated with the aid of a simulation model and the simulated results and real-time data from the operation of the industrial machine are stored. The simulation can be carried out in the industrial machine and if this is the case a parametric representation of the simulation model can be at least partly produced using a unit for this purpose. To produce the parametric representation, a data-systems connection can be created between the industrial machine and the unit, by means of an Intranet and/or an Internet connection. In addition, the simulation can be carried out in an external simulation unit, the latter having a data-systems connection to the industrial machine by means of an Intranet and/or an Internet connection.