Prüfpunkt

Prüfpunkt is a term used in German industry referring to a defined stage in a process where an inspection or test is performed to verify compliance with specifications. The aim is to detect defects early and ensure quality before continuing.

In manufacturing, production lines often include multiple Prüfpunkte at key stages such as assembly, finishing, and packing. Each Prüfpunkt is defined in a Prüfsplan and specifies the inspection method, acceptance criteria, and the action taken if the result is out of tolerance, such as rework or stop of the line.

Prüfpunkte involve both measurement and evaluation. They rely on measurement points (Messpunkte) for data and on decision rules. The term is closely related to, but distinct from, Prüfpläne (quality plans) and Prüfanweisungen (inspection instructions).

The concept is used across industries, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods, and is aligned with quality management standards such as ISO 9001 in the sense of process control and traceability. In software and service contexts, Prüfpunkte may refer to milestone tests or gate reviews.

See also: quality control, inspection, testing, checklists, Prüfplan, Prüfanweisung.