Abstract: In a technical system a plurality of values associated respectively with a component are stored in at least one computer unit. The computer unit is enabled to trigger an evaluation of at least one other component with a value when a component begins or terminates operation, and the values of each component are added. The computer unit is also enabled to determine which components should be started or stopped based on the added values.

Abstract: The invention relates to the economical operation of a technical system (10) consisting of several components (1,2,3 . . . 8). According to the inventive method, in each operating or non-operating component, an evaluation of at least one other component with a value (WZ1, WZ2, WZ3) is continuously triggered, the values of each component (1,2,3 . . . 8) are added, and the components are selected as to which is the next to be started or stopped from the added values. The invention also relates to a device (9) which is characterised in that a plurality of values (WZ1, WZ2, WZ3) associated respectively with a component are stored in at least one computer unit (20); whereby the computer unit (20) is enabled to trigger an evaluation of at least one other component with a value (WZ1, WZ2, WZ3) when a component begins or terminates operation, and the values of each component being added. The computer unit (20) is also enabled to determine which components should be started or stopped based on the added values.