Method of operating a press apparatus and forming process

Provided is a method of operating a press apparatus, the press apparatus comprising a controllable pressing force application device configured to apply a pressing force to a work piece to be fabricated by the press apparatus during a forming process. In order to provide pressing which results in dimension stable work pieces with good quality, the method comprises: a) regulating a posture, orientation and/or position and/or force of at least the pressing force application device based on at least one signal obtained during the forming process using a virtual model of at least part, and/or b) the press apparatus further comprising a controllable die cushion device, and the method comprises: regulating a posture, orientation and/or position and/or force of the die cushion device using a virtual model of at least part of the die cushion device.