1. A method for controlling a process comprising: receiving real time process data generated from the process; comparing against a predictive objective function and/or a historical mean and/or a predicted operational envelope and/or a predetermined static function for establishing any deviation from normal operation; applying probabilistic modeling at a status agent for classifying the source and likely cause of the deviation; prioritizing actuation of at least one or more diagnostic agents related to causality of the deviation at a supervisory manager; communicating the results of the diagnostic agents to the supervisory manager; modifying the probabilistic model of the status agent from the results from the one or more diagnostic agents; and applying a probabilistic model at a control agent for evaluating risk and recommending and initiating an appropriate control action to the process.