defektgrad

Defektgrad is a term used in German-speaking contexts to describe the proportion of defective units in a defined set, such as a production batch, a supplier lot, or a service process. It serves as a metric in quality management and reliability analysis to quantify quality and to compare processes or suppliers.

Calculation is usually straightforward: Defektgrad = (Anzahl defekter Einheiten / Gesamtanzahl der betrachteten Einheiten) × 100 %. A unit is considered defective if it does not meet the specified requirements. In some contexts, defects have different severities, in which case the Defektgrad may be weighted or reported together with defect types.

Measurement and sampling methods are common for large production runs. Rather than inspecting every item, statistische Stichprobenverfahren (sampling plans) are used to estimate the Defektgrad. Standards and guidelines for sampling and acceptance provide structured approaches to determine whether a batch is acceptable.

Applications of the Defektgrad include quality control, process improvement, supplier evaluation, warranty cost estimation, and risk assessment. It informs decisions on process capability, target defect reductions, and the intensity of inspection and remediation efforts.

Interpretation and limitations should be noted: a low Defektgrad indicates higher quality but depends on how defects are defined and detected. Definitions and reporting conventions vary by industry, and some contexts distinguish between critical, major, and cosmetic defects, potentially yielding multiple metrics rather than a single Defektgrad.

Related terms include Fehlerquote and Defektquote, as well as concepts like defect density in certain contexts. Defektgrad is a practical, high-level indicator used to monitor and improve quality across manufacturing and service processes.