The Ethercat plug-in modules of the EJ series from Beckhoff are used to implement the platform concept for large series with many identical parts, without losing the possibilities of creating variants. The plug-in modules are electronically based on the "Ethercat I/O system" and can be plugged directly onto a PCB. As an application-specific signal distribution board, the PCB distributes the signals and power supply between the Ethercat plug-in modules and the machine in combination with industrially manufactured cable harnesses. The risk of incorrect wiring is minimized, as both the Ethercat plug-in modules and the plug connectors of the cable harnesses offer coding options.