A new measuring program is defined in templates. The operator only enters the geometry of the workpiece and selects the desired features. The part is then automatically measured. Family programs are particularly fast and flexible in the case of part families or changes. The measuring accuracy rises, as no measuring programs have to be programmed. The results can thus be compared more quickly and accurately, as the tasks are always performed with the same optimized measurement strategy for solving the problem. Time-intensive and error-intensive learning programs for the operator are eliminated.