Abstract: A method, control system, and software for operating a machine having two or more components which allows for a) controlling one or more operations two or more components of the machine using a data processor with a plurality of control signals; b) time-stamping the control signals with the data processor; c) storing the time-stamped control entries for subsequent retrieval in a storage medium; d) sensing a plurality of operating conditions of each of the two or more components of the, wherein the sensing is substantially simultaneous with the controlling step and the two or more monitoring devices communicate by transmitting data signals corresponding to the plurality of operating conditions substantially in real-time to the data processor; e) time-stamping the data signals with the data processor; and f) storing the time-stamped data entries for subsequent retrieval in the storage medium.