WO2015135559A1

WO2015135559A1 - Optimized configuration method for an automation system

Info

Publication number: WO2015135559A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/000681
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rainer Drath
Original assignee: Abb Technology Ag
Priority date: 2014-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2015-09-17

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically configuring an automation-system (1a, 1b) with at least two control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b), comprising the following steps: ■ providing at least one database (6) containing configuration-data-sets (8, 10) of each of the control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) and topology-data (12.1, 12.2, 12.3); ▪ the configuration-data-sets (8, 10) define the configuration- rules of the respective control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b), each having at least one parameter-set (13, 14, 14.2, 16, 16.2) comprising: o at least one variable-parameter (18, 18.2, 20, 20.2), o at least one non-adjustable invariable-parameter (22, 22.2, 24, 24.2); ▪ the topology-data (12, 12.2, 12.3) define, at least in part, the relation between the control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b); ▪associating, at least in part, the respective variable-parameter (18, 18.2, 20, 20.2) with correlating invariable-parameter (22, 22.2, 24, 24.2) according to the topology-data (12.1, 12.2, 12.3); ▪generating, at least one new parameter-set (14.1, 14.3 16.1, 16.3) for at least one of the configuration-data-sets (8, 10).

Description

Optimized configuration method for an automation system

Description

The invention relates to a method for configuring an automation-system with at least two control-devices.

Nowadays, automation systems become increasingly important as the control- devices are more and more interconnected with each other. Control-devices can be installed in a plant or a large building, or belonging to a transmission or distribution network. In the state of the art control-devices are either connected directly, via I/O devices or via network switches to an automation system. The term "control-device" comprises every electronic device which has a communication interface. The interface could be a digital or analogue interface and the communication interface could be either wireless or wired. The control-device can be for example a field device of a distributed control system, a switch, router, machine or factory, I/O device or even a central control room.

In the state of the art, automation-systems usually have a considerable number of control-devices. In today^'s automation systems there are often several hundreds or even more control-devices that need to be configured.

The term "configuration" relates to all activities which are related to get a control- device or an automation-system running. Even if initially a control-device already has reasonable settings, for example based on device template defaults, it is common that many parameters still need to be customized or inevitably have to be changed during the engineering and/or deployment process. The term "database" relates to one or more databases, or even a central database of the automation-system itself to which the configuration-data-sets of each of the control-devices are provided. The database might be implemented as several 5 storage devices or storage units in the network devices themselves, either as volatile or as permanent storages.

Initially, the configuration-data of each of the control-devices are provided. During the configuration process, the parameter settings and functions of each control-device 0 have to be adjusted. Even when a control-device has reasonable parameter settings, for example based on template defaults, it is common to customize many parameters, to adapt the respective control-device to the automation-system.

Disadvantageously within the state of the art is, that it is very burdensome to 5 configure an entire automation-system. Usually each control-device is configured individually, by attaching a mobile computer to each control-device to perform the configuration. The configuration is usually performed individually for each control- device, therefore a considerable amount of effort is involved when configuring a whole automation-system. Another time consuming, but commonly used way is to Ό configure the automation-system by selecting the parameter-settings of each control- device individually in an engineering tool. The engineering tool typically provides an overview of the automation-system. Accordingly, there is a demand to automate at least parts of the configuring of configuring devices of an automation communications network.

!5

Based on this state of the art, it is the objective of the invention to provide a method to improve the configuration of an automation-system.

This objective is accomplished according to the present invention by a method for >0 automatically configuring an automation-system with at least two control-devices comprising the following steps:

a) providing at least one database containing configuration-data-sets of each of the control-devices and topology-data; ■ the configuration-data-sets define the configuration-rules of the respective control-devices, each having at least one parameter-set comprising:

o at least one variable-parameter, which is adjustable in a 5 predefined limit;

o at least one non-adjustable invariable-parameter;

■ the topology-data define, at least in part, the relation between the control-devices;

b) associating, at least in part, the respective variable-parameter with correlating in- 0 variable-parameter according to the topology-data;

c) generating, at least one new parameter-set for at least one of the configuration- data-sets, comprising new variable-parameter by

■ adjusting the variable-parameter depending on the associated parameter;

5 d) storing the at least one new parameter-set.

The "configuration-data-set" defines the "configuration rules" which assess the new parameter-set concerning a violation. The configuration is therefore subjected to restrictions in order to ensure that those configuration parameters are not to be 0 changed, as they are for example unique to each network device. Hence the non- adjustable invariable-parameter is left untouched in the generated new parameter- set.

The "configuration-rule" is defined to verify that the control-devices and the automa- :5 tion-system perform as intended. The configuration-rule might be either taken over from default settings of the control-devices or defined manually by the user.

The "parameter-set" of each of the control-devices comprises "variable parameter" which are adjustable in a predefined limit and furthermore non-adjustable "invariable- Ό parameter". The "invariable-parameter" could be for example the input power of an electrical motor which is a predefined fixed value, for example 1 kW. The electrical motor is typically connected to an inverter. The output power of the inverter is exemplary adjustable in a limited range, exemplary between 1kW and 5KW, therefore the inverter constitutes the "variable-parameter" in this example. Exemplary, the invented method could limit the output power of the converter according to the input power of the motor to 1 kW.

The term "topology-data" defines the relation between the control-devices. Therefore 5 it includes information about the environment of each control-device and how these devices are interconnected. According to the topology-data, the variable-parameter are connected to the correlating invariable-parameter. Furthermore, the topology data typically include information concerning the interaction between variable- parameter and invariable-parameter.

0

Instead of configuring the control-devices one after another the configuration of the several control-devices is centralized executed by the invented method. Advantageously, automatic configuration of control-devices is enabled without any need for further manual configuration. Therefore the whole configuration of the

5 automation-system is automated and consequently simplified. The topology-data provide awareness of the connected environment to the control-devices. Hence, the configuration of the automation-system is advantageously performed in a time optimal and less error-prone way as no manual intervention is required and the repetitive parts of the configuration are automated. As a result, the configuration is

:0 performed with higher reliability. In conclusion, the essential idea is to add environment aware intelligence to the control-devices, which is not build into the devices itself, but placed and executed externally.

In a further development the invented method further comprises the step of repeating :5 the method after an interval. The interval might be a predefined time interval, or the repeating might be triggered when providing at a further time-point modified configuration-rules, modified variable-parameter, modified invariable-parameter and/or modified topology-data. In this case at least one further new parameter-set is generated depending on the modified rules, parameter and/or data provided at the further time- point. Furthermore the generation of the at least one further new parameter-set might be repeated again in case of providing at a further time-point further modified rules, parameter and/or data. Therefore the configuration is always automatically repeated after a predefined time-interval or after receiving amended data. This simplifies the configuration further, as the configuration is repeated automatically again in case of providing modified configuration conditions. Hence, the operator can rely on a long-term updated system without any manual intervention or surveillance activities.

Therefore, the consistency of the configuration is established at a time point and maintained with its requirements throughout its life. Changes in the configuration- rules, modified variable-parameter, modified invariable-parameter and/or modified topology-data are accounted systematically so that the configuration maintains its integrity over time.

According to another advantageous embodiment the method further comprises the following steps:

^■ assessing at least one new parameter-set with regard to a violation of the configuration-rules;

^■ in case of detecting a violation repeating the generation of at least one new parameter-set and its assessing.

Hence, the new parameter-sets are continuously assessed with regard to the configuration-rules of the control-devices. The assessment could be executed outside the automation-system and outside the control-devices in a simulated IT infrastructure related to engineering and/or runtime of the automation system. In case that at least one new parameter-set violates the configuration-rules the user is advantageously warned and the generation of at least one new parameter set is repeated. The further generated new parameter-set is assessed again with respect to the configuration-rules. Changes in the new parameter-sets are typically tracked and controlled continuously. The configuration and assessing procedure is advantageously repeated until a new parameter-set is generated which is not violating the configuration-rules. Typically the user is automatically provided with at least one permissible parameter-set without manual intervention.

In a preferred development the invented method further comprises, in case generating at least one group of over-redundant new parameter-sets for at least c of the configuration-data-sets, wherein each do not violate the configuration rules, the following step:

^■ selecting one group of the over-redundant parameter-sets. The invented method might generate a group of over-redundant parameter sets, wherein only one parameter-set is typically applied to each control-device. The over- redundant parameter-sets are identified automatically by the method. The selection might be executed manually via user input, for example through selection of a graphical representation of the respective over-redundant parameter-sets in a computer engineering tool. After the user has decided and accordingly indicated through the appropriate user input to select one group of the parameter-sets, the over- redundancy is solved.

According to a further preferred development the method further comprises the fol- lowing step:

^■ selecting at least one group of the over-redundant new parameter-sets according to predefined rules of an optimization-algorithm.

Hence, the selection is done automatically by predefined rules, which are either de- fined by default or manually. According to the predefined rules, one new parameter- set can be chosen advantageously, or several new parameter-sets are chosen which are further selected manually or even automatically. Therefore the predefined-rules can be used to execute a pre-selection in case of a great number of generated over- redundant new parameter-sets. Furthermore, the algorithm could be configured with self-learning learning capabilities, which recognize the user-selection several times, derives predefined rules thereof and implement these rules in an automatic selection process.

In another preferred variant the invented method further comprises, in case of incom- pleteness of at least one of the new parameter-sets, the following step:

^■ providing the option to adjust the incomplete new variable-parameter manually. In practice, the invented method might not always be able to adjust the variable- parameter depending on the associated parameter. Hence, a user might select also single variable-parameters manually instead of a whole group of over-redundant parameter-sets. The selection is done analogously to what is explained above with re- spect to the selection a group of over-redundant new parameter-sets.

According to the invented method, the user might define a range or exclude a range in which the variable-parameter might be adjusted or might not be adjusted. Even further the option to constrain the limits in which variable-parameter might be adjust- ed could be provided to the user.

In a further advantageous form the method further comprises the following steps:

^■ generating new configuration-data-sets for at least one of the control- devices;

■ transmitting the new configuration-data-sets to the respective control- devices.

The new configuration-data-set is generated by incorporating the generated new parameter set. Furthermore, the option is provided to accept the transmitting of the new configuration-data to the respective control-device manually. Hence, a user is enabled to verify the configuration-data-sets before deploying them to the respective control-device.

Further, a user may select only single parameter instead of complete parameter-sets. The selection is done analogously to what is explained above with respect to the selection of over redundant new-parameter-sets, wherein the user is then required to define the not selected missing parameter manually and ensure its consistency.

Afterwards, if no translation to control device specific language is required, the configuration-data-sets are transmitted and therefore applied to the storage unit and/or to the central database of the control-device. In case that the configuration- data-sets are only transmitted to the database, it can be provided that a separate deployment step will be initiated at a later stage during which all configuration parameters stored in a database could be downloaded simultaneously to the control- devices.

In conclusion, the configuration could be executed fully automatically from the adjusting of the parameter to the step of transmitting the configuration-data-sets to the respective control-devices.

In another advantageous development of the invention the method further comprises the following step:

■ discovering the control-devices connected to the automation-system, prior to associating the parameter.

Hence, the connected control-devices running in the actually automation-system are discovered automatically in order to be able to transmit the new configuration-data- sets to the real hardware devices control-devices. The control-device requires a network interface which is for example composed of a network driver and a physical network interface and which is able to establish a communication connection to the control-devices over a network. Therefore, the invented method is arranged to perform an automatic discovery of control devices on the network. Therefore, it is able to communicate via a network interface unit to first recognize, at that point unknown, control-devices which are connected to the network.

In addition, a view of the discovered control-devices could be provided to the user. Furthermore the user might be provided with a query if all the required control- devices are discovered automatically. Furthermore the user might have online access to the discovered control-devices as well. Advantageously the user does not need to retrieve the control-devices manually.

According to a further variant of the invention at least a part of configuration-data are provided by the control-devices.

For this variant an interface is foreseen which enables the communication with the control-devices and which further enables the retrieving of the configuration-data from the different kind of control-devices. Therefore the configuration-data stored in a local or central database can be retrieved automatically. In conclusion, the control- devices are not only discovered automatically but at least some of their relevant configuration-data are also retrieved thereof. In a further advantageous development of the method at least a part of the configuration-data is provided by at least one planning tool. The automation-system may be used in connection with a planning tool from which the configuration-data is automatically downloaded, so that the required data are retrieved automatically in a time optimal and less error-prone way. Hence, the step of collecting configuration- data for several control-devices is advantageously centralized by the planning tool. The planning-tool might be executed by the same processing-unit on which the invented method is running.

In a further variant of the invented method, the predefined limit of the variable- parameter is adjustable depending on at least one condition of the control-device and/or automation-system.

The Term "condition" refers to a time-dependent change in the control-device and/or the automation-system conditions, for example when a control-device and/or automa- tion-system ages. Therefore the variable-parameter and/or the invariable-parameter are increasing or decreasing due to the aging process.

For example, the previously described electric motor which had an input power of 1 kW in a brand new state can withstand only less input power after several years of aging. Therefore the invariable-parameter, in this case the maximum input power must be lowered as a function of time. Furthermore the variable-parameter, in this example the range of the output power of the inverter, might be also decreasing time dependent. For example, as the inverter endures only less temperature due to aged materials. In conclusion, the variable-parameter and the invariable-parameter might be a function of time, or any other further parameter. Therefore , the configuration is adaptable to increasing or decreasing working conditions of the control-device or the automation-system itself. The advantages of this method and their embodiments are discussed in the preceding claims.

These features and further advantageous embodiments are contained in the claims and shall be illustrated by means of exemplary in the figures contained in the drawing attached to this specification.

The attached drawing show in Fig. 1 : an exemplary computing unit for executing a method according to the invention,

Fig. 2: an exemplary first architecture of an automation-system,

Fig. 3: an exemplary first sequence of generating a parameter-set,

Fig. 4: an exemplary second sequence of generating a parameter-set and

Fig. 5: an exemplary sequence diagram.

Fig 1 depicts exemplary a computing-device 50a for executing a method according to the invention. The computing-device 50a is connected to an input device 42, to a display 48 and to an automation-system 1a. The architecture of the automation- system 1a comprises two interconnected control-devices, a control-device 2a and a second control-device 4a. The interconnection between the control-devices is indicated by the horizontal between the two control-devices. A user 40 specifies his user input 44 via the input-device 42, exemplary a keyboard or a usual computer mouse. The user input 44 is further processed by the computing device 50a, wherein further data are provided by the connected automation-system 1a and the respective control-devices 2a, 4a. The graphical-device 48 is exemplary used for displaying a generated parameter set 13. The user 40 can modify the parameter-set 13 by user-input 44 manually.

Not depicted in the figure is, that the computing-device 50a could be exemplary provided in a computing cloud, instead of being provided physically. Besides the computing-device 50a can be integrated in the automation-system 1a itself. Typically, the computing-device 50a comprises a database, or a connection to one or several single databases of a typical distributed control system of the automation-system 1a.

Examples for possible control-devices 2a, 4a of the automation-system 1a are a "switch", "router", "VLAN switch", "firewall", "operations PC", "field controller", "I/O board" or "printer". Possible parameter-sets may be for example DHCP settings (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), IP-address settings (Internet Protocol address), time synchronization settings, as well as information on whether a port is enabled or disabled, which VLAN ID (Virtual Local Area Network Identification) is assigned to a specific port, and further user management configuration of the control- devices 2a, 4a.

Fig. 2 shows a computing-device 50b comprising a processing-unit 46. The automation-system b comprises a control-device 2b and a further control-device 4b which are typically interconnected by a network. The processing-unit 46 is connected to a database 6 which comprises configuration-data 8 typically for the control-device 2b and configuration-data 10 typically for the control-device 4b. Furthermore the database 6 comprises topology-data 12.1. The computing-device 50b with the respective database 6 is connected to the automation-system 1 b, which is indicated by the ver- tical arrow. The network is represented by the horizontal arrow between the control- device 2b and the further control-device 4b.

The database 6 could be one or more central databases to which not only the processing-unit 46 but further computer devices may have access. Relevant data of an engineering project for designing and verifying the control-devices 2b, 4b of an automation communications network for a specific industrial plant or building may be stored in the database 6, including the data belonging to the configuration parameters of the control-devices 2b, 4b. The at least one database 6 can in addition or alternatively be separated in several storage devices or storage units implemented in the control devices, either as volatile or as permanent storages. The invented configuration method typically retrieves the configuration-data-sets 8, 10 directly from the storage device implemented in the control-devices 2b, 4b and transmits the new configuration-data-sets to the storage devices implemented in the respective control devices 2b, 4b.

The invented method may be used in the field, by a deployment engineer, to configure the control-devices 2b, 4 of the network which is already, at least in part, installed in the automation-system 1b of an industrial plant or a building.

Not depicted in the figure is, that the processing unit 46 on which the configuration method is running might interact with a computer-implemented engineering tool. The engineering tool may be installed on one of the control-devices 2b, 4b or typically on a different computer device. The network or at least the configuration devices 2b, 4b or potential configuration-devices of the network are typically represented in the engineering tool by graphical representations to which the configuration-data-sets 8, 10 could be attached.

After finishing the configuration of the control-devices 2b, 4b of the network in the engineering tool, the configuration parameters may afterwards automatically be downloaded to the control devices 2b, 4b installed in the industrial plant, so that not only the configuration but also the subsequent deployment of the configuration-data- sets 8, 10 to the control-devices 2b, 4b is performed in a time optimal and less error- prone way.

The processing unit might be arranged to retrieve the configuration-data-sets 8, 10 containing the configuration-rules from several distributed databases where they are stored either individually for each control-device 8, 10. Accordingly, the configuration- data-sets 8, 10 may be stored either centrally or locally in each or some of the control devices.

Fig. 3 depicts an exemplary first sequence of generating a parameter-set. A first con- figuration-data-set comprises a first parameter-set 14 with invariable-parameter 22 and variable-parameter 18. The second configuration-data-set comprises a second parameter-set 16 with invariable-parameter 24 and variable-parameter 20. According to the claimed method, the variable-parameter 18, 20 are adjusted depending on the associated parameter which are typically the invariable-parameter 22, 24. In the first step, the variable-parameter 18, 20 are exemplary associated to the respective invariable-parameter according to respective topology-data 12.2. The topology-data 12.2 is indicated by the doted arrow between the data-sets.

The downward facing arrow on the left side of the figure indicates the typically successively executed steps. In the first step the relevant parameter are retrieved or provided. Successively, in the second-step, the variable-parameter 18, 20 are typically adjusted according to the associated invariable-parameter 22, 24, which results in first new variable-parameter 18.1 and second new variable-parameter 20.1.

Hence, the method according to the invention provides a way to automatically and easily adjust the variable-parameter 18, 20 of the parameter-sets 14, 16. The process of adjustment is subject to restrictions due to the invariable-parameters 22, 24. The invariable-parameter are not to allowed to be changed, as they are for example unique for each control-device and need to be left untouched.

Not depicted in the figure is, that the automation-system with connected control- devices could be simulated in a virtual simulation-environment. Therefore the control- devices could be implemented virtually instead of being implemented physically.

Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary second sequence of generating a parameter-set. In a third step, which might be after a time-interval after the second step of the previous fig. 3, two modified parameter-sets 14.2 and 16.2 are provided for the respective con- trol-devices. The modified parameter-sets 14.1 , 16.2 typically comprises modified variable-parameter 18.2, 20.2 and/or modified invariable-parameter 22.2, 24.2.

The modified parameter-sets 14.2, 16.2 are provided either after a predefined time interval for the respective control-devices together or successively. Furthermore modified topology-data 12.3 might be provided, which associate modified variable- parameter 18.2, 20.2 with different modified invariable-parameter 22.2, 24.2.

In a fourth step, the modified variable-parameter 18.2, 20.2 are adjusted according to the invented configuration method and further new variable-parameter 18.3, 20.3 are generated automatically. Hence, the configuration method is arranged to automatically perform the configuration after having received modified variable-parameter 18.2, 20.2 or modified invariable-parameter 22.2, 24.2. Accordingly, the configuration method provides a way to automatically and easily adjust the variable parameter depending on the associated invariable-parameter 22.2, 24.2 according to the topology-data 12.3.

Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary sequence diagram illustrating the steps according to the present invention.

In a first step "a" configuration-data and topology-data are provided. The configuration-data might be provided from engineering or a planning tool or directly form the control-devices. In case of missing or outdated configuration-data a query might be send to the user to ask for a manual upload.

In a second step "b" the parameter are associated according to the topology-data. Not depicted in the figure is, that the processing-unit may be arranged, prior to adjust the variable-parameters, to transmit a user query to the graphical-device for accepting the association of the parameter. Hence, the user might verify before gener- ating a new parameter-set if the association is correct.

In a third step "c" a new parameter-set for at least one of the configuration-data-sets is generated by adjusting the variable-parameter. In a last step "d" the generated parameter-set is stored in a database. Furthermore a user-input might be received to initiate the storing only if the user-input indicates acceptance of the generated new parameter-set. After the storing of the new parameter-set is completed, the processing unit may verify whether the storing of the generated new parameter-set was performed correctly.

After the last step "d" a further alternative step typically repeats the method after an interval, wherein the interval might be a fixed time interval, or it is repeated after receiving modified parameter. List of reference signs a First automation-system

a First control-device

a Second control-device

3 Parameter-Set

0 User

2 Input-device

4 User-input

8 Graphical-device

0a First computing-device b Second automation-system

b Third control-device

b Fourth control-device

Database

First configuration-data-set

0 Second configuration-data-set

2.1 First topology-data

6 Processing-unit

0b Second computing-device 2.2 Second topology-data

4 First parameter-set

6 Second parameter-set

4.1 First new parameter-set

6.1 Second new parameter-set

8 First variable-parameter

0 Second variable-parameter

8.1 First new variable-parameter Second new variable-parameter First invariable-parameter

Second invariable-parameter

Third topology-data

First modified parameter-set

Second modified parameter-set

First modified variable-parameter

Second modified variable-parameter

First modified invariable-parameter

Second modified invariable-parameter

Further first new parameter-set

Further second new parameter-set

Further first new variable-parameter

Claims

1-A method for automatically configuring an automation-system (1a, 1b) with at least two control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b), comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one database (6) containing configuration-data-sets (8, 10) of each of the control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) and topology-data (12.1 , 12.2, 12.3);

^■ the configuration-data-sets (8, 10) define the configuration- rules of the respective control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b), each having at least one parameter-set (13, 14, 14.2, 16, 16.2) comprising: o at least one variable-parameter (18, 18.2, 20, 20.2), which is adjustable in a predefined limit; o at least one non-adjustable invariable-parameter (22, 22.2, 24, 24.2);

^■ the topology-data (12, 12.2, 12.3) define, at least in part, the relation between the control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b); b) associating, at least in part, the respective variable-parameter (18, 18.2, 20, 20.2) with correlating invariable-parameter (22, 22.2, 24, 24.2) according to the topology- data (12.1 , 12.2, 12.3); c) generating, at least one new parameter-set (14.1 , 14.3 16.1 , 16.3) for at least one of the configuration-data-sets (8, 10), comprising new variable-parameter (18.1 , 18.3, 20.1 , 20.3) by

^■ adjusting the variable-parameter (18, 18.2, 20, 20.2) depending on the associated parameter (22, 22.2, 24, 24.2); d) storing the at least one new parameter-set (14.1 , 14.3 16.1 , 16.3). 2- The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the following step:

^■ repeating the method after an interval.

3- The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the following steps:

^■ assessing at least one new parameter-set (14.1 , 14.3 16.1 , 16.3) with regard to a violation of the configuration-rules;

^■ in case of detecting a violation repeating the generation of at least one new parameter-set (14.1 , 14.3 16.1 , 16.3) and its assessing.

4- The method according to one of the proceeding claims, wherein in case of generating at least one group of over-redundant new parameter-sets (14.1 , 14.3, 16.1 , 16.3) for at least one of the configuration-data-sets (8, 8.2, 10, 10.2), wherein each do not violate the configuration rules, further comprising the following step:

^■ selecting one group of the over-redundant parameter-sets (14.1 , 14.3, 16.1 , 16.3).

5- The method according to claim 4 comprising the following step:

^■ selecting at least one group of the over-redundant new parameter-sets (14.1 , 14.3, 16.1 , 16.3) according to predefined rules of an optimization-algorithm.

6- The method according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein in case of incompleteness of at least one of the new parameter-sets (14.1 , 14.3 16.1 , 16.3), the following step is foreseen:

^■ providing the option to adjust the incomplete new variable-parameter (18.1 , 20.1) manually. 7- The method according to any of the proceeding claims, further comprising the following steps:

■ generating new configuration-data-sets (8.1 , 10.1) for at least one of the control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b);

■ transmitting the new configuration-data-sets (8.1 , 10.1) to the respective control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b).

8- The method according to any of the proceeding claims, further comprising the following step:

^■ discovering the control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) connected to the automation- system (1a, 1 b), prior to associating the parameter (18, 20, 22, 24).

9- The method according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein at least a part of configuration-data (8, 10) are provided by the control-devices (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b).

10- The method according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein at least a part of the configuration-data (8, 10) is provided by at least one planning tool.

11- The method according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the respective predefined limit of the variable-parameter (18, 18.2, 20, 20.2) is adjustable depending on at least one condition of the control-device (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) and/or automation- system (1a, 1b).