System and method for preparing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system, wherein a first configuration data set for a first industrial device is defined by running (1000) first configuration software of a first configuration component and is assigned to the first industrial device; the first configuration data set is communicated (1100) to the first industrial device in order to correspondingly configure the first industrial device and is loaded (1200) onto a first configuration memory connected to the first industrial device and / or to the first configuration component; a second configuration data set for at least one other industrial device is defined by running (2200) second configuration software of a second configuration component and is assigned to the other industrial device, the second configuration component being previously coupled (2000) at least to the first configuration memory via a second communication connection for this purpose, the first configuration data set being read (2100) into the second configuration software, and the second configuration data set being defined on the basis of the first configuration data set; and the second configuration component is coupled to the at least one other industrial device via a third communication connection, and the second configuration data set is then communicated (2300) to the at least one other industrial device for the corresponding configuration process.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONFIGURATION DATA SETS FOR CONFIGURING A MULTIPLE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVICES

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a system and a method, in particular for providing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices.

[0004] As is well known, one way for a user to integrate industrial equipment into a technical system is to initially accept it as pre-configured by the manufacturer and then, if necessary, make individual adjustments to its configuration independently. In at least some cases, another option is for the manufacturer to configure the industrial equipment requested by the user according to their specifications. However, since this is usually done using different tools than those used by the user, the user's specific configuration requirements must be communicated between the user and the manufacturer, particularly the manufacturer's production and software development departments.

[0005] The object of the invention is to demonstrate a method for configuring industrial equipment, whereby at least one further industrial device can be configured based on a configuration of one industrial device.

[0006] The invention is characterized by a method and a system with the features according to each independent claim. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] In detail, the invention therefore proposes a method, i.e., in particular a

[0008] Method for providing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices, in particular automation devices, in which a first configuration data set for a first industrial device configurable on the basis of the first configuration data set is defined by executing a first configuration software of a first configuration component and assigned to this first industrial device; and after coupling the first configuration component with the first industrial device via a first communication link, this first configuration data set is communicated to the first industrial device for the corresponding configuration and is loaded into a configuration memory connected to the first industrial device and / or the first configuration component.

[0009] Furthermore, the method provides that a second configuration data set for at least one further industrial device configurable on the basis of the second configuration data set is defined by executing a second configuration software of a second configuration component and assigned to the at least one further industrial device, wherein the second configuration component is previously coupled to the configuration memory via a second communication connection, the first configuration data set loaded in the configuration memory is read into the second configuration software and the second configuration data set is defined based on the read first configuration data set.

[0010] After coupling the second configuration component with at least one other industrial device via a third communication link, the second configuration data set is communicated to this at least one other industrial device for the corresponding configuration.

[0011] In particular for carrying out such a method, the invention therefore further proposes a system which, in particular for providing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices, especially automation devices, comprises a first configuration component which can be coupled to a first industrial device via a first communication link.To define a first configuration data set, the first configuration component contains at least one first configuration software, and the first industrial device is configured to be configured accordingly based on the first configuration data set defined by the at least one first configuration software, wherein the at least one first configuration software is further configured to assign the first configuration data set to the first industrial device, and the first configuration component is configured, after coupling the first industrial device with the first configuration component, to communicate the first configuration data set to the first industrial device for the corresponding configuration of the first industrial device.The first industrial device and / or the first configuration component is furthermore connected to a first configuration memory included by the system and configured to load the first configuration record communicated for the configuration of the first industrial device into the first configuration memory.

[0012] In addition, the system according to the invention comprises a second configuration component, which houses at least a second configuration software for defining a second configuration data set and can be coupled to the first configuration memory via a second communication connection and to at least one further industrial device, which is set up to be configured accordingly on the basis of the second configuration data set defined with the at least one second configuration software, via a third communication connection.

[0013] The second configuration component is configured, after being coupled with the first configuration memory, to read the first configuration data set loaded therein into the second configuration software, which defines the second configuration data set based on the read first configuration data set and assigns it to at least one other industrial device, and, after being coupled with the at least one other industrial device, to communicate the second configuration data set to this at least one other industrial device for the corresponding configuration.

[0014] A significant advantage of the invention is therefore that, by connecting two different configuration components to one and the same configuration memory, a configuration data set defined once via the first configuration component, by means of which an industrial device can be set up or its configuration carried out, is subsequently stored in the configuration memory, and by means of the second configuration component, based on the configuration data set stored there, a further configuration data set for the configuration of at least one further industrial device is defined and the at least one further industrial device can be configured accordingly.

[0015] A key benefit, therefore, lies in the fact that the first configuration component can be used by a user to configure an industrial device in a "tailor-made" manner, and a configuration data set subsequently stored by the user can then be reused by an industrial device manufacturer for the configuration of at least one further, and especially multiple, industrial devices. However, use in the "reverse" direction can also be advantageously implemented. For example, a manufacturer can create an initial configuration, particularly a basic configuration, based on a first industrial device.for this purpose, and after installing "their own" industrial devices purchased from the manufacturer, a user can access the configuration data set stored by the manufacturer during commissioning and independently carry out further configuration based on this.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one additional industrial device is of the same type as the first industrial device, whereby, additionally or alternatively, the first industrial device can also be a virtual device and each additional industrial device is preferably a physical industrial device. The first and / or second configuration component can, in an advantageous further development, also include a web-based management system or be part of such a management system. Additionally or alternatively, the first and / or second configuration component can also be implemented, at least partially, as a software application.

[0017] Defining and accessing the configuration data set, and therefore also the configuration of the first and the configuration of at least one other industrial device, can consequently take place at locations that are far apart.

[0018] It has also proven advantageous if at least one first configuration software of the first configuration component and at least one second configuration software of the second configuration component are contained in software containers. Additionally or alternatively, it has also proven advantageous that, depending on the application, the first configuration memory can also be a part of the first configuration component or a part of the first industrial device.

[0019] In order to permanently assign the second configuration data set to at least one other industrial device, it has additionally or alternatively proven useful if the at least one other industrial device and / or the second configuration component loads the second configuration data set into a configuration memory of the at least one other industrial device.

[0020] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block representation of a method according to the invention, in particular for providing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices, and Fig. 2 shows a highly simplified scheme of a system according to the invention, in particular for providing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices.

[0022] Reference is made below to Fig. 1, which shows a schematic block representation of a method according to the invention, in particular for providing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices, especially automation devices.

[0023] The procedure includes executing 1000 of a first configuration software of a first configuration component, by means of which a first configuration data set is defined for a first industrial device configurable on the basis of the first configuration data set and assigned to this first industrial device.

[0024] The first configuration data record is then communicated to the industrial device for its corresponding configuration. The necessary coupling of the first configuration component with the first industrial device via a first communication link can be conveniently carried out, depending on the specific design, either before or after defining and / or assigning the first configuration data record. Additionally, and particularly after successful configuration, the first configuration data record is loaded into a first configuration memory connected to the first industrial device and / or the first configuration component.

[0025] The procedure also includes the execution of a second 2200

[0026] Configuration software of a second configuration component, by means of which, based on the first configuration data set, a second configuration data set is defined for at least one further industrial device configurable on the basis of the second configuration data set and assigned to it.

[0027] For this purpose, the second configuration component is first connected to at least the first.

[0028] Configuration memory is coupled via a second communication link 2000 and the first configuration data set loaded in the first configuration memory is read into the second configuration software 2100. After the second configuration component has been coupled via a third communication link with at least one other industrial device, either previously or subsequently, the second configuration data set is communicated to this at least one other industrial device for its corresponding configuration in a further step 2300.

[0029] Reference is made below to Fig. 2, which shows a highly simplified schematic of a system according to the invention, in particular for providing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices. A system according to Fig. 2 is particularly suitable for carrying out the method shown with reference to Fig. 1.

[0030] The system shown in Fig. 2 comprises a first configuration component 100, which can be coupled to a first industrial device 200 via a first communication link 300, and a first configuration memory 400. According to a preferred embodiment, the industrial device 200 is an automation device, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC). Such a PLC, although not shown in detail for the sake of clarity, is generally modular in design to enable and / or simplify application-oriented configuration and has the necessary modules for implementing a specific automation task, such as, in particular, input and output modules equipped with sensors, etc.Actuators can be fitted, as well as a central unit for processing input signals received at the input modules according to a control algorithm and outputting control signals via the output modules.

[0031] The first configuration component 100 contains at least one first configuration software 110 for defining a first configuration data set 111, and the first industrial device 200 is configured to be configured accordingly based on the first configuration data set. The at least one first configuration software 110 is further configured to assign the first configuration data set 111 to the first industrial device 200, i.e., a configuration data set by means of which the industrial device can be configured. The first configuration component 100 is also configured, after coupling with the first industrial device 200, to communicate the first configuration data set to it for the corresponding configuration. In principle, any communication protocol can be used for communicating the configuration data set 111; in Fig.2, indicated by the arrows within the communication link 300, can be used, provided, of course, that both the configuration component 100 and the industrial device 200 are configured accordingly. Furthermore, according to the invention, the first configuration component 100 and / or the first industrial device 200 is connected to the first configuration memory 400 and configured to load the first configuration data set 1 1 1 communicated for the configuration of the first industrial device into the first configuration memory.

[0032] Furthermore, a second configuration component 500 is included in the system according to the invention, which contains at least a second configuration software 510 for defining a second configuration data set 51 1 and can be coupled to the first configuration memory 400 via a second communication connection 600 and to at least one further industrial device 700, which is set up to be configured accordingly on the basis of the second configuration data set 51 1, via a third communication connection 800.

[0033] The second configuration component 500 is configured, after being coupled with the first configuration memory 400, to read the first configuration data set 1 1 1 loaded therein into the second configuration software 510, which defines the second configuration data set 511 based on the read first configuration data set 1 1 1 and assigns it to at least one further industrial device 700, and, after being coupled with the at least one further industrial device 700, to communicate the second configuration data set 51 1 to this at least one further industrial device 700 for the corresponding configuration. In the simplest implementation, the second configuration data set 51 1 can also correspond to the first configuration data set 1 1 1.The second industrial device 700 is also an automation device according to the preferred embodiment, whereby for the communication of the configuration data set 51 1, essentially any communication protocol can be used, as indicated in Fig. 2 by the arrows within the communication connection 800.

[0034] As an alternative to the separate configuration memory 400 shown in Fig. 2, preferred embodiments provide that the first configuration memory 400 is a component of the first configuration component 100 or a component of the first industrial device 200. The latter has proven particularly advantageous when the first industrial device 200 is a virtual industrial device. Such a device can, for example, be made available via a web-based management system for viewing and making configuration-relevant settings. It is also advantageous within the scope of the invention that, depending on the specific design, the first and / or second configuration component can include such a web-based management system or be part of such a management system.

[0035] For example, a virtual industrial device can be an industrial device visualized exclusively via software through a web-based management system. If the web-based management system is provided by the manufacturer, for example, the first configuration component 100 can be linked to the virtual industrial device 200 via a web-based communication link 300 through the management system. To establish such a communication link and for subsequent communication, the first configuration component 100 must therefore be appropriately configured with components enabling access to and via the web-based management system, such as a web browser and / or a client application, and / or at least partially implemented as a software application.The first configuration component can also form part of such a management system or even include the web-based management system itself. Depending on the overall system design, the same applies to the second configuration component 500 and, in particular, to establishing the second communication link 600 for connecting the second configuration component 500 to the configuration memory 400 in order to read the first configuration data record 1 1 1 stored there, or to read it into the second configuration software 510.

[0036] As an alternative to an industrial device visualized exclusively via software, a real industrial device can also be provided as the first industrial device 200. This device comprises a module 201 designed for web-based communication, i.e., a so-called web module, which allows the industrial device to be visualized via a web-based application, such as a web-based management system. Relevant settings can be viewed and configured via a web browser, a client application, and / or other software application. Similarly, at least one further industrial device 700, which is usually a real industrial device, can also comprise a module 701 designed for web-based communication for a web-based application.In addition, each of the industrial devices 200 and 700 preferably includes at least one module 202 or 702 containing firmware, as well as a module 203 or 703 comprising a microcontroller.

[0037] Instead of web-based communication, the first and / or at least one further industrial device 200, 700 can also be configured as a non-web-based device and, in this case, for example, contain a module 201 or 701 designed for a different communication method, i.e., in particular for wireless or wired communication, instead of one designed for web-based communication. For example, a module configured for a communication connection based on NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth, IO-Link, or serial communication. In such a case, the first and / or second configuration component is thus, according to common practice, expediently designed, at least partially, as a software application.

[0038] It is understood that for each connection of the first configuration component 100 with the first industrial device 200 via the first communication link 300, and for each connection of the second configuration component 500 with at least one further industrial device 700 via the third communication link 300, the first and second configuration components 100 and 500 each include a module 101 and 501, respectively, designed for the communication required by the communication link. In the case of a web-based application, this could be, for example, a web module that supports a WebSocket protocol, i.e., in particular a TCP-based network protocol, to establish a bidirectional connection between a web application and a WebSocket server or a web server that also supports WebSockets. In the case of non-web-based communication, however, this could be, as already shown above, for example, a module 101 or 501.It could also be a module that supports communication based on NFC, Bluetooth, IO-Link, or serial communication, or another wireless or wired communication connection. Based on a professional assessment of the above explanation, it is evident that, depending on the design and connection of the first configuration component 100 and the second configuration component 500, the first configuration memory 400 can also be set up as a component of the first configuration component 100, which the second configuration component 500 then accesses to read the first configuration data record.

[0039] In particular, for a simple implementation of the invention, i.e., so that the at least one further industrial device 700 can be configured in a simple manner using the second configuration data set 51 1, which is defined based on the read-in first configuration data set 1 1 1 defined by the at least one first configuration software 110, it is recommended, on the one hand, as a further expedient development, that the at least one further industrial device 700 is of the same type as the first industrial device 200, and on the other hand, regardless of whether the first industrial device 200 is a virtual, i.e., a visualized industrial device or is provided as such, or not.

[0040] It has also proven useful, either additionally or alternatively, to provide the at least one first configuration software 1 10 and the at least one second configuration software 510 as corresponding configuration software, e.g., configuration software using the JavaScript scripting language. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one first configuration software 1 10 and / or the at least one second configuration software 510 are preferably also contained in software containers, so that essentially everything that makes the software run, such as in particular source code, system libraries, system tools, and a runtime environment, is included in the respective software containers, and consequently, reliable functionality can be ensured essentially independently of the wider environment, especially the hardware environment.

[0041] It has also proven advantageous in practice, particularly in order to permanently assign the second configuration data set 51 1 to the at least one further industrial device 700, if the at least one further industrial device also has a configuration memory, which is not shown in Fig. 2 for the sake of clarity, and if the at least one further industrial device and / or the second configuration component is expediently configured to load the second configuration data set 51 1 communicated for the configuration of the at least one further industrial device 700 into this configuration memory of the at least one further industrial device 700.

[0042] In light of the foregoing description, configuration settings and / or adjustments to industrial devices can therefore be made in a significantly shorter time using the subject matter of the invention. For example, using the invention, a service technician establishes a communication connection 600 to a specific service website of a management system with a service app via a browser on a service notebook or smartphone configured as a second configuration component 500. The service app stores a previously defined first configuration data set in a configuration memory 400 in order to make desired changes locally on another industrial device, e.g., a measuring device, based on this data set, via the browser. In practical terms, this industrial device is connected to the service notebook or smartphone with factory settings.The service website then communicates with the service app, and based on the first configuration data set, the second configuration data set is defined and communicated locally to the other industrial device for configuration. Consequently, a desired new configuration or reconfiguration can be carried out easily and extremely quickly. The other industrial device is then unplugged, and the next one can be connected.

[0043] The reduced configuration time and the convenient addition of a change log, for example, by storing the second configuration record in a configuration memory of the other industrial device, represent a decisive advantage when applying the invention. This method is also applicable to Ethernet-based industrial electronics and devices. Other variations are conceivable, such as the use of a gateway. Furthermore, the invention allows for authentication and storage of the second configuration record via the service website using the service app. Customer loyalty can also be increased, as customer-specific configurations can be quickly implemented as a service by the provider / manufacturer and made available to the customer / user.

[0044] A key aspect of your invention therefore lies in the use and adaptation of once defined

[0045] Configuration data sets, including any underlying code structures, adapted to the environmental conditions of manufacturing and / or the

[0046] Users and their reuse from the world of customers / users, where their quality has already been proven.

[0047] Furthermore, otherwise necessary translations and resulting misunderstandings during the transfer / implementation of requirements from software development to manufacturing for customer-specific configurations, and vice versa, can be avoided, which in turn can lead to significant cost reductions and a minimization of time and effort.

[0048] The provision of configuration data sets according to the invention for configuring a plurality of industrial devices, in particular automation devices, thus provides in practical implementation a method and the application structure of a system also for cost reduction in customer-specific configurations, especially of complex industrial devices.

[0049] The invention thus creates a powerful platform that enables the adaptation of both standard and complex industrial devices without significant intervention from manufacturing personnel. For example, configuration modifications can be performed on these devices even after their manufacture, based on configurations tested in the field at the customer's / user's site, including any underlying mechanisms / program code. This allows for the advantageous use of uniform and / or coordinated or adapted code structures for the first and second configuration data sets.

[0050] For example, configuration data sets can be adapted to the environmental conditions of the manufacturing process with regard to existing code structures, and / or code structures from initial configuration data sets from the customer / user world, where the quality of the code structures has already been tested, can be reused when defining the second configuration data sets.

[0051] The invention thus opens the way, among other things, for web-based configuration, e.g., between an Electron app, such as clipx ENGINEER device parameterization, and a web-based industrial device, as well as for non-web-based configuration between an Electron app, e.g., CXEDP, and a non-web-based industrial device. For example, providing a configuration data set in the case of a simulated / virtual industrial device can also be done via a communication connection designed for S-Port communication or via an IO-Link 300 connection. This applies analogously to other technologies. Examples of such technologies include QUINT, TRIO, MACX MCR, CAPAROC, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, first and / or second configuration components 100, 500 can be used within the scope of the invention, which employ a browser for a web-based management system with a web-based communication connection 300 or 800, e.g. via a WebSocket to the industrial device 200 or 700, or an Electron app, e.g. EMpro, for a web-based management system with a web-based communication connection 300 or 800, e.g. via a WebSocket to the industrial device 200 or 700.

[0053] Three possible application scenarios could therefore look like this, for example:

[0054] 1) A potential customer / user notices that an industrial device offered by a manufacturer, such as the applicant, might be of interest to them. Similar to 3D data, the customer / user can explore and evaluate the possible configuration settings of the industrial device using the first configuration component 100 in a browser or an Electron app. If they are interested in series production, they can load a defined initial configuration data set of an industrial device configured according to their requirements into the first configuration store, e.g., a shopping cart, and order the corresponding variants to be configured. For example, the IPv4 address (192.168.1.42) and subnet mask (255.255.255.0) are desired. The order quantities can be in the typical range for series production.The ordered variants are then initially configured in production using the second configuration component 500, whereby, as shown above, the same code base used by the customer is expediently reused. In production, the desired IPv4 address 192.168.1.42 with the subnet mask 255.255.255.0 is then configured, and the initial configuration would thus be completed, for example.

[0055] 2) During the lifecycle of the offered industrial devices, there will be additions. Based on these additions, the first configuration component (500) will provide correspondingly enhanced virtual industrial devices in a new variant. As described above, the new variants will be visualized and made available to the customer / user via a management system platform. Using a browser or software application (e.g., the Electron app), the second configuration component (500) allows the customer / user to evaluate the new variants and further customize them to their needs. This also prepares manufacturing for the new variant, as a new version of the code structures can be easily transferred to production. A costly redefinition of the manufacturing process for the new variant is not required. The new variant can also be manufactured just as cost-effectively.

[0056] 3) A customer / user, in turn, notices that a particular industrial device offered by a manufacturer, such as the applicant, might be of interest to them. They can then access the industrial devices via the second configuration component 500, for example, using a browser or software application, such as the Electron app, and, in particular, evaluate the device configuration and thus the industrial device itself in the virtual environment, adjusting its configuration as needed. In the assumed positive scenario, they select a stock item with a standard configuration. After installation during commissioning, however, the industrial device should undergo a further customer-specific initial configuration. For this, the customer / user uses the manufacturer's initial configuration data for the industrial device, previously provided in a configuration memory 400, via the second configuration component 500.The underlying code structures, if any, can be accessed via an Electron app, a browser, or a directly connected web-based management system. In all cases, the customer also notices, for example, that the user interfaces have not changed. Customer-specific initial configuration therefore does not have to be performed on configurable variants during production, but can, especially with standard items, take place "after-sales," i.e., after installation during commissioning at the customer's / user's site. Another key benefit is that the customer / user can evaluate and, if necessary, adjust the functions and device configurations in advance using virtual devices, even without owning an actual industrial device. This scenario applies to both web-based and non-web-based industrial devices.Furthermore, it is advantageous that such an initial configuration can be carried out without prior modification of the firmware modules.

[0057] In addition or alternatively, it is evident that the connection of two different configuration components to one and the same configuration memory according to the invention, and the definition of the second configuration data set made possible by the first configuration data set stored there, also enables configuration changes to firmware modules of the industrial devices and / or other configuration adjustments to the factory settings.

Claims

1. System, in particular for providing configuration data sets for the Configuring a multitude of industrial devices, especially automation devices, including: - a first configuration component (100) which can be coupled to a first industrial device (200) via a first communication link (300), and - a first configuration memory (400), wherein the first configuration component contains at least one first configuration software (110) for defining a first configuration data set (111) and the first industrial device is configured to be configured accordingly based on the first configuration data set defined by the at least one first configuration software, and wherein the at least one first configuration software is configured to assign the first configuration data set to the first industrial device and the first configuration component is configured to communicate the first configuration data set to the first industrial device for the corresponding configuration of the first industrial device after coupling the first industrial device with the first configuration component, and wherein the first industrial device and / or the first configuration component is connected to and configured with the first configuration memory,to load the first configuration data set communicated for the configuration of the first industrial device into the first configuration memory; a second configuration component (500) which houses at least one second configuration software (510) for defining a second configuration data set (511) and with the configuration memory via a second communication link (600) and with at least one further industrial device (700) which is configured, based on the second configuration data set defined with the at least one second configuration software, to be configured accordingly, can be coupled via a third communication connection (800), wherein the second configuration component is set up, after coupling it with the first configuration memory, to read the first configuration data set loaded therein into the second configuration software, which defines the second configuration data set based on the read first configuration data set and assigns it to at least one further industrial device, and after coupling it with the at least one further industrial device, to communicate the second configuration data set to this at least one further industrial device for the corresponding configuration.

2. Configuration system according to claim 1, wherein the first industrial device is a virtual industrial device and each at least one further industrial device is a real industrial device.

3. Configuration system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one further industrial device is of the same type as the first industrial device.

4. Configuration system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and / or second configuration component includes a web-based management system or is part of such a management system, and / or wherein the first and / or second configuration component is at least partially designed as a software application.

5. Configuration system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one first configuration software and / or the at least one second configuration software is software contained in software containers.

6. Configuration system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first configuration memory is a component of the first configuration component or a component of the first industrial device.

7. Configuration system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one further industrial device and / or the second configuration component is configured to load the second configuration data set communicated for the configuration of the at least one further industrial device into a configuration memory of the at least one further industrial device.

8. Method, in particular for providing configuration data sets for configuring a plurality of industrial devices, especially automation devices, in which a first configuration data set for a first industrial device configurable on the basis of the first configuration data set is defined by executing (1000) a first configuration software of a first configuration component and assigned to this first industrial device; and after coupling the first configuration component with the first industrial device via a first communication link, the first configuration data set is communicated to the first industrial device for the corresponding configuration (1100) and loaded into a first configuration memory connected to the first industrial device and / or the first configuration component (1200);and wherein a second configuration data set for at least one further industrial device configurable on the basis of the second configuration data set is defined by executing (2200) a second configuration software of a second configuration component and is assigned to the at least one further industrial device; wherein the second configuration component is previously coupled to the first configuration memory via a second communication link (2000) and the first configuration data record loaded in the first configuration memory is read into the second configuration software (2100) and the second configuration data set is defined based on the read-in first configuration data set; and wherein the second configuration component is further coupled with the at least one other industrial device via a third communication link and the second configuration data set, after coupling with the at least one other industrial device, is communicated to this at least one other industrial device for the corresponding configuration (2300).

Images