System for controlling a work machine, comprising: a plurality of sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) which each provide an output value, a processor unit, and a data transmission network which connects the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) to the processor unit which can be operated to convert the output values from the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) into a standard data format on the basis of formatting data assigned to the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) and to merge said output values to form a combined measured value, the processor unit being able to be operated to obtain the formatting data via the data transmission network, for which purpose each sensor arrangement (38, 40, 42) is assigned an identification number which is transmitted by the sensor arrangement (38, 40, 42) to the processor unit during initialization of the system, and the processor unit being able to be operated to retrieve the formatting data associated with the sensor arrangement (38, 40, 42) from the data transmission network on the basis of the identification number, the data transmission network extending via a work machine and possibly a working device fitted to the latter, and formatting data available locally on the work machine being provided in memory units and/or in memories of the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) which are connected to the data transmission network, the data transmission network additionally extending, via a wireless communication path, to a data transmission network of another work machine, which provides formatting data in a memory unit and/or a sensor arrangement connected to the data transmission network, and/or to a stationary computer which holds formatting data, and the processor unit being able to be operated to download the formatting data for the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) via the wireless communication path if the formatting data available locally on the work machine do not suffice to be able to compare and merge the measured values from all sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) with one another. a plurality of sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) which each provide an output value, a processor unit, and a data transmission network which connects the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) to the processor unit which can be operated to convert the output values from the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) into a standard data format on the basis of formatting data assigned to the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) and to merge said output values to form a combined measured value, the processor unit being able to be operated to obtain the formatting data via the data transmission network, for which purpose each sensor arrangement (38, 40, 42) is assigned an identification number which is transmitted by the sensor arrangement (38, 40, 42) to the processor unit during initialization of the system, and the processor unit being able to be operated to retrieve the formatting data associated with the sensor arrangement (38, 40, 42) from the data transmission network on the basis of the identification number, the data transmission network extending via a work machine and possibly a working device fitted to the latter, and formatting data available locally on the work machine being provided in memory units and/or in memories of the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) which are connected to the data transmission network, the data transmission network additionally extending, via a wireless communication path, to a data transmission network of another work machine, which provides formatting data in a memory unit and/or a sensor arrangement connected to the data transmission network, and/or to a stationary computer which holds formatting data, and the processor unit being able to be operated to download the formatting data for the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) via the wireless communication path if the formatting data available locally on the work machine do not suffice to be able to compare and merge the measured values from all sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) with one another.