The invention relates to a method of producing a metal strip (1) in a plant, comprising a continuous casting plant (2), a first furnace (3), a second furnace (4) and an adjoining rolling mill (5). In order to save energy, the method provides in accordance with the invention the steps of: a) establishing a scope of production, which is effected, of metal slabs or metal strips (1), comprising at least two different metal slabs or metal strips (1); b) determining the respective entry temperature (TFM) into the rolling mill (5) for all metal slabs or metal strips (1) to be produced; c) determining an exit temperature (TAO1) from the first furnace (3), wherein this is selected to be smaller than the highest entry temperature (TFM), which is determined in step b), into the rolling mill (5) and smaller than or substantially the same as the lowest entry temperature (TFM), which is determined in step b), into the rolling mill (5); d) operating the first furnace (3) in such a manner that the metal slabs or metal strips (1) to be produced leave the first furnace (3) with the exit temperature (TAO1) determined in accordance with step c); e) heating or reheating a metal slab, which is to be produced, or a metal strip (1), which is to be produced, by means of the second furnace (4) to its requisite entry temperature (TFM) in the rolling mill (5) insofar as this temperature lies above the exit temperature (TAO1), which was determined in accordance with step (d), of the first furnace (3). In addition, the invention relates to a plant for producing a metal slab or a metal strip.