Abstract: Methods of controlling at least one multi-column chromatography arrangement for the continuous process of purifying biopharmaceuticals are provided. The methods include introducing a first multi-component mixture into a column of the multi-column chromatography arrangement; detecting at least one multivariate signal by at least one detector; calculating at least one process parameter on the basis of the multivariate signal by at least one data-processing program of a computing unit via application of a chemometric method; and controlling the purification process via control of at least one controllable control element on the basis of the at least one process parameter.