PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically integrate field devices in a distributed automation system.SOLUTION: Each field device is first connected to a bus system of an automation system, and is then automatically addressed by a superordinate controller using a predefined default address by a first routine which operates automatically. In the system, its device address is registered and a fixed address which is provided from a multiplicity of unassigned addresses from an address memory is automatically allocated to the device registered in the system by a second routine which operates automatically. An individually assigned identification TAG provided from the predetermined configuration of the automation system is allocated to the allocated fixed address, and, after the automatically allocated fixed address has been transmitted to the field device, the field device is changed to a suitable state for communication with the superordinate controller.