Mängelbericht

Mängelbericht is a document used to record defects or deficiencies identified in products, components, processes, or projects. It is commonly employed in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and facility management to document non-conformities observed during inspections, tests, commissioning, or routine operation. The term can also be encountered in software contexts as a defect report, though Mängelbericht is more typical for physical goods and services.

A typical Mängelbericht includes the date, project or order information, location of the defect, a concise description, classification or severity (for example minor, major, critical), potential impact on function or safety, evidence such as photos or measurement data, and proposed corrective actions or remedies. It usually identifies the party responsible for remediation, assigns a deadline, and records its status and subsequent verification results. The document serves as traceability for quality assurance, warranty claims, contractual compliance, and supplier or contractor performance assessment.

The handling process generally follows detection, documentation, and classification, assignment to responsible parties, execution of corrective action, re-testing or re-inspection, and closure upon verification. Mängelberichte may be complemented by related documents such as an Abnahmeprotokoll (acceptance protocol) or a Mängelrüge (formal defect notification to a supplier). They align with quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and with industry-specific standards, though formats vary by organization.

In practice, Mängelberichte promote transparency, accountability, and timely remediation, helping to minimize risk, reduce rework, and support contractual rights and warranty payments.