In one aspect, an electric field device for use in process automation is provided to simplify supply of an electric field device located at an installation site in the process with information originating from its process environment. At least one transponder is arranged in the area of the installation site. The transponder comprises a memory containing data with predetermined information on the process environment of the field device. The field device comprises a reader unit for contactlessly reading the data and an evaluation unit for processing the information for the functions to be carried out by the field device within the framework of process automation.