The underlying invention relates in particular to a production module for a production line which is modularly populatable with production modules. In embodiments, provision is made whereby the production module comprises at least one manipulator unit with which a workpiece or a workpiece component is, during the production process, transferable between a deposit position and a production position in the production space of a production module which, for the execution of a production step, is positioned directly downstream in a production direction (R) along the production line.

A system and method includes storing a description of at least one sensor in a database; storing a description of the at least one actuator in the database; storing a PLC-list comprising a description of the at least one PLC in the database; writing a controller program that describes an action of the at least one actuator caused by the at least one sensor; selecting, based on the database and the controller program, a PLC of the PLC-list, which is able to functionally connect the sensor and the actuator; generating an application for controlling the selected PLC based on the selected PLC and the controller program; and transferring the application to the selected PLC thus configuring and/or functionally connecting the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator of the sub-system.

A PLC and a motor driver can be set more easily as compared with the related art. A setting support apparatus sets mapping of a data object transferred by a master through cyclic communication based on mapping information included in assignment information corresponding to a combination of vendor specifying information and product specifying information of a motor driving apparatus set for a programmable logic controller. Furthermore, the setting support apparatus causes the master to write a recommended value of a setting parameter, included in the assignment information for the motor driving apparatus, to the motor driving apparatus through message communication.