A method and apparatus for linking an automation device to a data processing system is disclosed that creates a virtual device in the data processing system for the automation device. An identification number is generated in the data processing system as a function of a classification of the virtual device in the data processing system for identifying the virtual device. The identification number assigned to the virtual device and passed to a configuration tool that is designed to configure the automation device. The identification number is assigned by the configuration tool to a configuration dataset that is then loaded onto the automation device, stored in the automation device, and used by the automation device for the interaction of the automation device with the data processing system.