A hydraulic system has a pump that furnishes pressurized fluid to a supply node connected to a plurality of functions. Each function includes hydraulic actuator and a control valve assembly through which fluid flows both from the supply node to the hydraulic actuator and from the hydraulic actuator to a return line. A control method involves receiving a plurality of commands, each designating desired operation of a function. Each command is separately used to derive a flow value designating an amount of flow for the respective function, a load value indicating a load magnitude related to the respective function, and a pressure value denoting a supply pressure for the respective function. Then, the control valve assembly for each given hydraulic function is operated in response to the flow and load values for that function and in response to the pressure value that is greatest among the plurality of functions.