A method for semi-automated development data management for control devices includes saving a development data model in a central data store comprising a plurality of mutually related configuration data units, wherein the configuration data units each store control commands and/or configuration parameters. The method further includes providing a ruleset and identifying an initial configuration data unit, wherein it is possible, using the ruleset, to identify further configuration data units automatically on a basis of a relationship thereof with the initial configuration data unit. In addition, the method includes applying the provided ruleset to the development data model in order to identify a subset of configuration data units within the development data model and saving the identified subset.