Method for the hybrid-automated monitoring of production machines

The method is for generating production information, such as capacity, reliability, or capacity utilization information, while hybrid-automated monitoring a production machine. An evaluation status model having a number of main statuses and an interpretation status model having a number of operating statuses are set up, with precisely one time account corresponding to each main status and transitions between operating statuses being established in accordance with events that can be picked up on the production machine. After that, operating statuses are assigned to main statuses and the time account of the main status applicable at a particular time is increased during the operation of the production machine by an amount that corresponds to the time period in which the production machine is in the main status concerned. Moreover, the number and sequence of changes in status are stored as a history.