A method is disclosed for replacing a defective control unit in a conveying device interconnected by a bus.Conveying devices are used in logistics processes for fully automated and semi-automated conveying of goods by means of conveyor segments. These conveyor segments are controlled and monitored by control units. In order to minimise the downtimes of the conveyor device, the described method for replacing a defective control unit in a conveying device interconnected by a bus can be used to ensure that a control unit can be replaced promptly and reliably. The method according to the invention allows automatic detection of a defect in a control unit, as well as initial configuration of a replacement control unit with an individual bus address or additional parameters.