Method for configuring a modular safety switching device, which has a plurality of electronic modules (10.1-10.n), wherein the electronic modules (10.1-10.n) are selected from a plurality of available electronic module types and are arranged in at least one module row, comprising the steps: - selecting a number of safety functions of the safety switching device and logic requirements for the safety switching device by means of a graphic user interface of a software-based configuration tool, - generating a configuration of the safety switching device by means of the configuration tool by automated selection of electronic modules (10.1-10.n) from the plurality of electronic module types for providing the safety functions of the safety switching device selected in the previous step and logic requirements for the safety switching device, and - storing the configuration of the safety switching device as a configuration dataset in a configuration database, wherein the configuration tool for each of the electronic modules (10.1-10.n) of the modular safety switching device generates an alphanumerical identifier which forms at least a part of the configuration dataset, wherein the alphanumerical identifier is selected so that it uniquely specifies the relevant electronic module (10.1-10.n) and its assembly position in the module row of the modular safety switching device, and wherein the configuration tool generates an additional alphanumerical identifier for at least some of the electronic modules (10.1-10.n) of the modular safety switching device, which identifier forms at least part of the configuration dataset, wherein the additional alphanumerical identifier is selected so that it uniquely specifies the position of at least one rotary switch, in particular a detent potentiometer of the relevant electronic module (10.1- 10.n). - selecting a number of safety functions of the safety switching device and logic requirements for the safety switching device by means of a graphic user interface of a software-based configuration tool, - generating a configuration of the safety switching device by means of the configuration tool by automated selection of electronic modules (10.1-10.n) from the plurality of electronic module types for providing the safety functions of the safety switching device selected in the previous step and logic requirements for the safety switching device, and - storing the configuration of the safety switching device as a configuration dataset in a configuration database, wherein the configuration tool for each of the electronic modules (10.1-10.n) of the modular safety switching device generates an alphanumerical identifier which forms at least a part of the configuration dataset, wherein the alphanumerical identifier is selected so that it uniquely specifies the relevant electronic module (10.1-10.n) and its assembly position in the module row of the modular safety switching device, and wherein the configuration tool generates an additional alphanumerical identifier for at least some of the electronic modules (10.1-10.n) of the modular safety switching device, which identifier forms at least part of the configuration dataset, wherein the additional alphanumerical identifier is selected so that it uniquely specifies the position of at least one rotary switch, in particular a detent potentiometer of the relevant electronic module (10.1- 10.n).