Predicting Process Variables by Simulation Based on an Only Partially Measurable Initial State

A method for predicting based on the state of an industrial process at a first point in time that is described by a process snapshot record with values of a first set of variables a value of at least one process variable of the industrial process at a second, later point in time, includes mapping using a machine learning model the process snapshot record to at least one initial state record; providing the initial state record to a simulation model; simulating using the simulation model the further development of the process; obtaining from the simulation model a final state record; and determining based on the final state record the sought value of the process variable at the second point in time.