The aim of the ZirkulEA research project is to design a circular value chain that is as economical as possible with the aid of comprehensive cross-company information exchange. This objective is to be illustrated in exemplary use cases in order to ensure that the concepts developed can be implemented in industrial practice in the near future. The target image is thus defined by considering three integrated use cases, which are to be used to derive design rules. Against the background of the circular economy for EA components, potentials for scalable automation are to be examined and an overarching view at various levels from process to planning and control is to be realized. The approach is underpinned by the targeted development of concepts for information exchange that result in an ecosystem.