Abstract: Aspects of operating an automated machine include: a database device for storing a plurality of machine safety rules (SRj) in terms of relationships between safety-sensor devices and technical devices, in particular requirements between safety-sensor device description data (DSDi) and technical-device description data (DDi); and a control device implemented: to retrieve the safety-sensor device description data (DSDi) and the technical-device description data (DDi) associated to the technical devices and the safety-sensor devices comprised in the automated machine, to retrieve, from the database device, safety rules (SRj) corresponding to the retrieved safety-sensor device description data (DSDi) and the technical-device description data (DDi), to determine as to whether the retrieved safety-sensor device description data (DSDi) and the technical-device description data (DDi) comply with retrieved safety rules (SRj).

Abstract: A method for operating an automation system comprising at least one field device associated to a local control device is provided. The method comprises: controlling an operation of the field device based on control data generated by the local control device; receiving monitoring data describing the controlled operation of the field device from the field device; modifying configuration data of the local control device based on the monitoring data; generating upload data comprising information about the modification of the configuration data and/or about changes in the operation of the field device resulting from the modification of the configuration data; in the local control device and/or in a central control device, deleting, encrypting and/or masking specified information from the upload data to generate modified upload data; and providing the modified upload data for use by another local control device.

Abstract: A method for operating an automation system comprising at least one field device associated to a local control device is provided. The method comprises: controlling an operation of the field device based on control data generated by the local control device; receiving monitoring data describing the controlled operation of the field device from the field device; modifying configuration data of the local control device based on the monitoring data; generating upload data comprising information about the modification of the configuration data and/or about changes in the operation of the field device resulting from the modification of the configuration data; in the local control device and/or in a central control device, deleting, encrypting and/or masking specified information from the upload data to generate modified upload data; and providing the modified upload data for use by another local control device.