An automation system comprising a plurality of networked computer units, functions of the automation system are provided by services of the computer units in which the services are configured and activated using system configuration data and service configuration data. The system configuration data comprise information for assigning services to providing computer units and for assigning dependencies between services. The system configuration data are accepted and checked by a first service of a control and monitoring unit of the automation system and are forwarded to target computer units. The system configuration data are checked by second services provided by the target computer units and are used to provide resources needed to activate local services. The service configuration data are transmitted to the target computer units following system configuration. A local service is activated by a target computer unit assigned to the service using the service configuration data.