A first functional plan is created from a platform-independent, technological functional plan and a second functional plan, which is adapted to specific requirements of the target platform, is generated from the latter in a subsequent step. Finally, a software program for the target platform is generated essentially automatically, by way of the second functional plan. A corresponding device includes a read-in unit for reading in the first functional plan, and a memory device with a rule base for transferring at least one platform-independent port and/or parameter and/or functional module of the first functional plan into at least one further port and/or further parameter and/or further functional module of the second functional plan. The second functional plan is generated by a processing unit, by way of the rule base and the first functional plan.