Provided is a control device for a production module having a data memory for storing operational settings of production modules and restrictions, which must be complied with by at least some of the operational settings. A settings management module is used to determine the external operational setting of an adjacent production module on which a local operational setting of the production module is dependent on the basis of a common restriction. An optimization module is also provided and has a local assessment function, which assesses the local operational setting, and a further assessment function which assesses noncompliance with the common restriction.