In a method, a computer-readable medium encoded with programming instructions, and a system for the administration of error messages of electronic, medical technology peripheral apparatuses that are in communication via a CANopen interface, a device configuration file is extended by a message object. The message object can be configured in advance. At run time the message object is then imported and used in the processing or in the administration of a detected error message. The detected error message is parameterized (and thus specifically processed) using the detected message object.