A method for controlling an automation process in real time based on a change profile of at least one process variable, comprises determining a first change profile by a real-time-capable recognition method based on a non-linear optimization process taking into consideration at least one boundary condition of the process variable, determining a second change profile by a numerical algorithm based on the first change profile, including adapting a selected profile function to the first change profile by a numerical adaptation process and identifying the adapted profile function as a second change profile, checking whether the second change profile satisfies at least one secondary condition of the process variable, controlling the automation process based on the second change profile if the second change profile satisfies the secondary condition, and controlling the automation process based on a predetermined fallback profile if the second change profile does not satisfy the secondary condition.