A method for processing an automation project having at least one object using a plurality of processing stations includes storing the automation project on an industrial automation component. The method also includes storing a copy of the automation project on each of the plurality of processing stations, respectively. Each of the copy of the automation project includes a copy of the at least one object for processing. The method further includes storing the time of the last change as a change time with or in each of the at least one object and its copies. The method also includes bringing a copy of the at least one object stored in a processing station into line with the at least one object stored in the automation component when synchronizing a copy of the automation project stored in the processing station with the automation project of the automation component.