1. An apparatus comprising a first interface for linking a higher-order system to the apparatus by a first data protocol; a second interface for linking an automation system component to the apparatus by a second data protocol; a data acquisition means and a data transmission means that are each connected both to at least one of the interfaces and to one another in such a way that communication is implementable between the systems that are connectable to the interfaces; a data conversion means which converts the protocols of both interfaces to one another; a long-term data store integrated with the apparatus, for storing raw data acquired by the data acquisition means; a data analysis unit integrated with the apparatus, for analyzing the raw data stored in the long-term data store; a configuration means integrated with the apparatus, for configuring the data analysis unit with regard to an analysis to be performed and for configuring the apparatus with regard to a manner of a further processing of an outcome of the data analysis by one of the interfaces or by the long-term data store.