Fertigung

Fertigung is a German term describing the set of operations that transform raw materials and components into finished products. In German-speaking industry, it denotes the shop-floor execution of manufacturing, including process selection, sequencing, and the application of quality controls, and is coordinated by planning and control systems such as manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP). It is distinguished from development and design activities as well as from broader logistics and procurement functions.

Fertigung encompasses a range of production modes. Discrete manufacturing produces individual items, such as machinery or electronics; batch and mass production scale output through repeating processes. Process industries, such as chemicals or food, also fall under Fertigung when they involve transforming materials through continuous or batch processes. Typical activities include machining, forming, fabrication, welding, assembly, and finishing; the exact mix depends on product design, volume, and required flexibility.

Digitalisation and automation have reshaped modern Fertigung. Industry 4.0 concepts—sensors, automation, robotics, data analytics, digital twins—are used to monitor performance, optimize planning, and enable real-time decision-making. Information systems such as MES and ERP coordinate shop-floor activity, while lean methods and Six Sigma aim to improve throughput and quality; measured performance often uses metrics like cycle time, yield, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Quality and standards: ISO 9001 quality management is commonly applied to production environments to ensure consistent quality and traceability.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from the German verb fertigen, meaning to complete or to produce. In international contexts, Fertigung is often translated as manufacturing or production, though exact scope can vary by company and sector.