an automation device includes a master module , and a slave unit having a slave modules , where an im module of the slave modules of the slave unit is connected to the master module via a bus , where each of the modules is parameterizable using a message transmitted to the im module by the master module , the message includes a data area for each of the slave modules for parameterization of each of the slave modules , and the message includes a data area for each slave module for its parameterization , wherein at least one default parameter data record is stored in at least one of the slave modules , and wherein a data record index , which is stored in that data area of the message which is provided for the at least one slave module is provided for accessing the at least one default parameter data record .