If surveyed Germans would rank internal processes, how the work is done, just after people as the most critical success factor. However, often it seems that people serve processes more than processes serve people.
Deductive vs. Inductive
Deductive thinking is by inference. The conclusion about particulars follows necessarily from general or universal premises. German processes are arrived at more deductively, based on standards and norms.
Guaranty vs. Tool
For Germans the product, and the processes which lead to that product, are two sides of the same coin. A work result – a product or service – is only as good as the processes which led to it. Good processes guaranty good results.
Discipline vs. Deviation
Processes are most effective when they maintain a balance between discipline and deviation. Germans prefer generally formulated processes allowing for interpretation based on the “situation on the ground.”
Process as Power
If processes govern the inner workings of a company, whoever has the say about those processes determines how the work is done. Germans strive to have the say about processes.
Max Weber
For the German thinker Max Weber bureaucracy was positive, modern, effective, efficient, just.
German processes, and the way in which German colleagues live them, can come across to non-German colleagues as bureaucratic.
But what if German processes possess the qualities that Weber described in bureaucracy?
Mercedes C-Class 2022
The bestselling Mercedes-Benz model series over the past decade will start production in Bremen, the lead plant in the global C-Class production network. This will shortly be followed by start-ups at international locations in Beijing, China and East London, South Africa.
YouTube comments:
“My 9 year old C350 is still solid and tight as a drum in terms of build quality and how the materials held up. Hopefully these keep that going.”
“We’ve come to an age of true automation. Amazing work! Feels like a sci-fi movie in which humans are the supporting cast only.”
“Being an owner of 2 New ordered Benz, I have to say this. The quality of my W204 was superior than my American built W205. My W204 was build in Germany with pride and you can tell it whereas my W205 was just put together because of the buck and no pride = Pegged with problem after problem taking years under warranty to sort out with the help of Mercedes Germany. It is no wonder, Mercedes Germany now gives American dealerships a direct contact to help solve problem with their cars.”
Haimer in Germany
CNC Machine Shop Tour. Titan Gilroy takes you on a VIP Tour through the Haimer manufacturing plant in Germany. Epic innovation. 170 CNC Machines and a workforce that is highly skilled.
YouTube comments:
“We need more Titan videos. As a German I should add that we also need to bring manufacturing back. Our industry has been very keen on outsourcing production to other EU and non-EU countries. It starts with the identity and our core competences. Time to get that back, especially in the minds of the general public.”
“Glad to see a CEO who knows what he’s talking about and leading from the front….from tools to machining processes to tolerances etc….German engineering at its best….would love to walk through that shop.”
“Absolutely incredible, as a CNC instructor it’s been extremely difficult to get full classes going. Granted our program is 12 weeks and not 3.5 years but its fully funded. I feel like they pulled the trades out of schools and pushed college onto high schoolers when the trades are a more realistic approach for many teenagers. Honestly I wish I had known sooner how satisfying a career in machining could be now I’m trying to inspire a new generation who has no idea that there’s a career path for them that doesn’t involve 4 years of college.”
German manufacturing
YouTube comments:
“Title: This is the reason, but we do not know the reason for the video — I think the title should be the greatness of German craftsmanship.”
“The highest metal process and materials are still kept in Anglo nations of US and UK.”
Audi assembly 2023
You can see how Audi R8, RS5, S5, A5 and Q2 is produced. There is even video of making E-engine of Audi.
YouTube comments:
“Great video displaying the quality in manufacturing Audi takes in building their cars. Also, I did not know that Audi had supermodels working for them. ;)”
“The level.of automation in the factory is just amazing. The quality checks are spot on. The ergonomic set up of workstations are splendid.”
“Great content! I love this I absolutely love Audi and what they are going. They are a great company. I don’t think you would get this kind of quality from a Tesla. Keep up the great work!”