Abstract: A method for improving the productivity of an industrial process includes the steps of using a computer to derive a statistical mathematical model that describes a productivity-related parameter, such as energy use, consumables use, or production rate, in terms of a validated set of independent variables. A modification that will improve the productivity of the process is identified and implemented and the model is used to measure the change in the productivity-related parameter caused by the modification. Measurement of the change is carried out by determining the difference between a measured value of the productivity-related parameter and a value of the parameter predicted by the model using measured values of the independent variables that are included in the validated set.