Prüfnummer

Prüfnummer is a term used in German-speaking contexts to denote a unique identifier assigned to a quality control event, test, or inspection. It serves to document, reference, and trace the results of an examination to a specific item, batch, or measuring device.

In manufacturing, each inspection of a part or batch often receives a Prüfnummer. The number links the test report, the accepted specifications, and the production lot, enabling traceability through the supply chain and during audits. Calibrations and metrological checks also use Prüfnummern to identify the calibration event and the instrument’s current verified state, supporting reconstruction of measurement histories.

In laboratories and certification processes, Prüfnummer appears on test certificates or QA reports, helping auditors verify which tests were performed and under what conditions. A Prüfnummer is not the same as a serial number, though it may accompany a serial or batch identifier; formats vary by company and industry.

Regulatory and standards contexts emphasize traceability, and Prüfnamen are a practical means to achieve it within quality management systems such as ISO 9001. They are typically created by the quality department or testing facility, recorded in the associated documentation, and archived for future reference.

Lifecycle: creation, use in the corresponding report or certificate, transmission with documentation, and long-term archival. Examples of formats include combinations of letters and numbers like PR-2024-1123 or similar company-specific schemes.