METHOD, SYSTEM AND ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE FOR OPERATING A PROCESS

A complex industrial process is operated via computer control. Process control data regarding multiple process control variables is collected, along with output data regarding one or more process output properties. One or more of the process control variables is altered for a predetermined time in order to determine which of the process control variables are affecting the one or more process output properties. An effect on the one or more output properties due to the altering is determined, and, if necessary, a set point for the one or more process control variables is altered based on the effect in order to improve the process.