A method of closed-loop identification of process models for a model predictive controller (MPC) by a profile analyzer, of an industrial sheetmaking system having a plurality of actuators arranged in the cross-direction (CD) and a scanning sensor supported on a supporting frame, wherein the profile analyzer manipulates the actuators to control the sheet parameters in a spatially distributed sheet process, the method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving from the scanning sensor, data indicative of the magnitude of a measured sheet property of the spatially-distributed sheet process; (b) selecting by the profile analyzer, a process model for the spatially-distributed sheet process wherein the process model is defined by a matrix; (c) converting the matrix into a non-causal transfer function; wherein a non-causal spatial finite impulse response model is generated by taking parameters from a single column of the matrix; (d) converting the non-causal transfer function into a causal model that has an equivalent spectrum by taking the square of the causal factor of the non-causal transfer function; (e) using the causal model to design an optimal input spectrum for process excitation; (f) transforming a frequency domain representation of the optimal input spectrum to a time domain realization which is a sequence of actuator movements; (g) providing signals by the profile analyzer to the plurality of actuators, of the sequence of actuator movements to the plurality of actuators and collecting data via the scanning sensor changes in cross-directional sheet properties due to the sequence of actuator movements to determine measured actuator response profiles; (h) analyzing by the profile analyzer, the data to extract new model parameters; and (i) using the new model parameters for selecting the process model. (a) receiving from the scanning sensor, data indicative of the magnitude of a measured sheet property of the spatially-distributed sheet process; (b) selecting by the profile analyzer, a process model for the spatially-distributed sheet process wherein the process model is defined by a matrix; (c) converting the matrix into a non-causal transfer function; wherein a non-causal spatial finite impulse response model is generated by taking parameters from a single column of the matrix; (d) converting the non-causal transfer function into a causal model that has an equivalent spectrum by taking the square of the causal factor of the non-causal transfer function; (e) using the causal model to design an optimal input spectrum for process excitation; (f) transforming a frequency domain representation of the optimal input spectrum to a time domain realization which is a sequence of actuator movements; (g) providing signals by the profile analyzer to the plurality of actuators, of the sequence of actuator movements to the plurality of actuators and collecting data via the scanning sensor changes in cross-directional sheet properties due to the sequence of actuator movements to determine measured actuator response profiles; (h) analyzing by the profile analyzer, the data to extract new model parameters; and (i) using the new model parameters for selecting the process model. <EOS>