Method for operating machines or machines in a machine series and design system

The method involves automatically generating a software packet in a projection system (12) depending on a step tree (28), where the step tree is formed as a graph with edges and nodes. The nodes comprise data and/or information for operating a machine, and the edges describe permitted transitions between the nodes. The software packet is executed in a machine or a unit communicatively connected with the machine, and the nodes represent executable operating steps that are activated or deactivated. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing a method for operating a machine (2) a storage medium comprising a computer program for executing a method for operating a machine (3) a projection system comprising a unit for producing a software packet.