The method includes creating and sending a change request for a change to the system configuration of the hardware system by means of a first hardware component of the plurality of hardware components, receiving the change request by means of the further hardware components of the plurality of hardware components, checking the change request by means of the further hardware components for compatibility of the change request with the configuration of the particular receiving hardware component by using configuration data of the receiving hardware component, in the case that the requested change to the system configuration is compatible with the configuration of the receiving hardware component, generating and sending an approval of the change to the system configuration by means of the receiving hardware component, and in the case that an approval quorum of the hardware components that is necessary for consent is achieved, entering the requested change to the system configuration of the hardware system into the block chain, implementing the requested change to the system configuration in the hardware system.