Abstract: A method for operating an automation device including at least one real automation unit for controlling a technical process, an operator station for operating and observing the technical process to be controlled, an engineering system and virtual automation units which each simulate functions of a real automation unit and is stored on a server, wherein suitable measures are used to particularly simplify the start-up of the automation device, where a suitable distribution of the virtual controllers or automation units on servers to a large extent guarantees real-time behavior of the automation device.