New worker integration check Error prevention. You cannot acquire quality by testing, it has to be produced. We therefore use instruments that reduce the chance of errors from happening in the first place. Our test equipment is regularly monitored. New employees are provided with systematic on-the-job training, and processes are examined for possible errors already during the planning stage.

How many testing and measuring instruments do you use overall at STIHL? In our German plants alone, we use a total of about 25,000 testing and measuring systems. This figure does not even include test and inspection aids (such as measuring stands, line standards and standard targets). I have heard and read a lot about the error prevention method derived from space travel. What does STIHL do? With the FMEA method (Failure Mode Effects and Analysis) familiar from space travel (the Apollo moon landings), we systematically examine every new product for possible weak points even during the early development
and planning phase. Why does every test and measuring device have an engraved number and an official inspection sticker of the kind I have seen in my car? We call the engraved numbers "object numbers", so that each of the almost 25,000 test and measuring systems is clearly identifiable. The inspection sticker tells us the date when the accuracy of the system
has to be verified again. How do you manage to bring only fully developed innovations to the market? Our motto is: "error prevention is better than finding errors". This begins with the concept in the design office and extends to field tests with selected customers in target markets.