An operating device for operating automation technology machinery includes a transparent electrically non-conducting panel having an outer side and an inner side facing the interior of the operating device, and a membrane keyboard arranged on the outer side of the panel. The panel also includes channels extending through the panel from the outer side to the inner side, where an electrically conducting element is arranged in the channels and the membrane keyboard is connected to the electronics of the operating device by the electrically conducting elements. An operating device for operating automation technology machinery is thus provided in which it is possible to fit a membrane keyboard to any location on the front panel of the operating device.