Computer-implemented method for planning an automation system, having the following method steps: - integrating a cloud environment and/or an edge device having the capability of connecting to the cloud environment into a project structure of a planning environment of the automation system, wherein the project structure has components (10', 20', 30') and has at least one hardware component having project elements, wherein the integrating comprises saving and displaying the cloud environment or the edge device, in a manner structured as a component (10' 20'), according to a technological hierarchy, - defining project elements (11, 21) associated with the cloud environment and/or with the edge device, wherein at least one program block and a device configuration are stipulated for the cloud environment or the edge device, wherein the cloud environment and/or the edge device with associated project elements (11, 21) is integrated into the project structure analogously to the integration of the hardware component with the project elements thereof, wherein the hardware component and the cloud environment and/or the edge device are designed by means of the planning to perform an automation task of the automation system that must in part be performed in the cloud environment and/or in the edge device. - integrating a cloud environment and/or an edge device having the capability of connecting to the cloud environment into a project structure of a planning environment of the automation system, wherein the project structure has components (10', 20', 30') and has at least one hardware component having project elements, wherein the integrating comprises saving and displaying the cloud environment or the edge device, in a manner structured as a component (10' 20'), according to a technological hierarchy, wherein the project structure has components (10', 20', 30') and has at least one hardware component having project elements, wherein the integrating comprises saving and displaying the cloud environment or the edge device, in a manner structured as a component (10' 20'), according to a technological hierarchy, - defining project elements (11, 21) associated with the cloud environment and/or with the edge device, wherein at least one program block and a device configuration are stipulated for the cloud environment or the edge device, wherein the cloud environment and/or the edge device with associated project elements (11, 21) is integrated into the project structure analogously to the integration of the hardware component with the project elements thereof, wherein the hardware component and the cloud environment and/or the edge device are designed by means of the planning to perform an automation task of the automation system that must in part be performed in the cloud environment and/or in the edge device. wherein the cloud environment and/or the edge device with associated project elements (11, 21) is integrated into the project structure analogously to the integration of the hardware component with the project elements thereof, wherein the hardware component and the cloud environment and/or the edge device are designed by means of the planning to perform an automation task of the automation system that must in part be performed in the cloud environment and/or in the edge device.