In an automatic machine controlled by a control device of its own having at least one non-volatile memory, in which a program for controlling the automatic machine can be installed, and at least one processing module for executing the control program installed, the control device is programmed with an operating system designed for implementing a method for monitoring the changes of configuration of the control device, in which each event of installation of a new control program in the memory is detected, execution of the control program installed last is enabled, and each new control program that is installed is saved, together with corresponding installation data, in at least one archive memory portion of the memory.