The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for time-staggered generation of identifying signals by programmable automation components (AK1, AK2) with a system time recorder (SZ). A user (A) or an automation component (AK1, AK2) or a user program (AP) can register a time-staggered identifying signal (K) with an event manager (EV). The event manager (EV) controls a system time counter (SZ) and signals waiting events (E1-E3) back to the user (A) or the automation component (AK1, AK2) or the user program (AP). The event (E1-E3) is thereby enabled and an identifying signal (K) is generated.
