A software tool which simplifies the monitoring of faults in an automation device. On a display device (FIG. 3), a rack (0'-3') of this automation device with slots and functional modules is represented in a first view (4) in graphic form and in a second view (9) in tabular form. A faulty slot and/or a faulty functional module is displayed in some manner of highlighted form ((F), 10, 11, etc.).