A method for synchronizing the motion sequences of at least one main pile and at least one auxiliary pile in a feeder or delivery device of a printing material processing machine (20) having the following features: a drive (7) for moving the main pile (4) and a main pile controller (12) associated with the drive (7), an additional drive (11) for moving the auxiliary pile (9) and an auxiliary pile controller (13) associated with the additional drive (11). The auxiliary pile controller (13) receives from main pile controller (12) or from a further, higher-level machine controller (14) a start signal to move the auxiliary pile (9), the start signal simultaneously initiating a movement of the main pile (4). A related device is provided.