What exactly is "Made in Germany"?

When it comes to "Made in Germany," everyone thinks it's good, from cars to screwdrivers, but not everyone understands why they are good, or exactly what makes them good.

The reputation of "Made in Germany" is built on a very interesting and crucial point of view: distrusting people. Germans have a deeply rooted belief that everyone makes mistakes and has errors, especially in production. These negative influences introduced by people are magnified at each stage of the assembly line and will inevitably affect the quality of the product.

Therefore, the more human factors involved in the entire product production process, the greater the likelihood of problems with the final product. So the German approach to improving quality is very straightforward: in the production process, use all possible means to minimize the natural human influence, breaking down each task into simple steps that a machine (or a person acting like a machine) can easily perform. In other words, improve the level of automation in production. If a machine can do it, and within a reasonable cost range, then people are resolutely not allowed to do it. I have visited many factories in Germany, and this is indeed the case.

Assessment of the cleanliness of hydraulic components

What are the differences between "Made in Germany" and "Made in China"?

We believe that the first difference is process-oriented: The image shows Volkswagen's production line in 1969, with a higher degree of automation than many domestic auto plants today. The core purpose of process-oriented production is to break down the production process into very small segments, each segment following a strict processing order, and the segments are connected by automated transmission devices. When a segment becomes simple enough not to require manual operation, it is replaced by a machine. Another industry example: when it comes to software companies, everyone remembers American companies like Microsoft, but the most successful process software company is SAP from Germany. They solidify all internal processes (even for non-manufacturing organizations) into software, fixing each person in the company to a function through software, ultimately achieving reliable and efficient operation of the enterprise. This is the power of process-oriented production. (I think people who have used SAP's ERP system in their companies, especially those in finance and procurement, are very familiar with this.)

Measurable: The image shows the three-dimensional measuring instrument launched by Carl Zeiss in 1973, with an accuracy of 0.5 micrometers, which revolutionized precision industrial production. Various high-performance measuring instruments and meters are also better made by Germans. They hope that every aspect of production can accurately measure various problems in products and production lines and correct them in time. Through these measurement methods, they introduce a large number of feedback loops into the production process to ensure that the quality fluctuation of the products is controlled within a very small range, which is an important prerequisite for ensuring product quality. I'll give another example from a familiar industry: German kitchens have more equipment than our middle school chemistry labs. All ingredients must be precisely measured, and of course, all processing times and key processing temperatures must also be precisely measured.

Automation: Automation is about handing over repetitive and error-prone tasks that humans are not good at to robots. The image shows the future factory envisioned by the Industrial Service Department of the famous German Fraunhofer Institute. What are the characteristics? The factory is completely self-producing, and the role of humans is figuratively described as two types: one is to do production planning and issue production instructions; the other is to assist the machines in maintaining the production line.

Professionalization: Let me give you an example. There is an old German engineer, without much education, who graduated from a German vocational school (FH) and has worked as a mechanical engineer for more than 30 years. He was responsible for the installation and commissioning of steam turbines in all German nuclear power plants. He is highly respected in the department. (The size of the steam turbine in the nuclear power plant shown in the image can be intuitively compared with the ladder next to it.) This accumulation of knowledge and experience is crucial for reliable production and engineering quality.

Tooling: Everyone knows the saying, "A craftsman is only as good as his tools." Germans love tools; you could almost say that there are specialized tools for everything, and almost every German home has its own toolbox or tool room. They like to make things themselves, from children's toys and household items to their own houses.

There are so many "Made in Germany" products, and to be honest, I think there are also problems with "Made in Germany." The biggest problem is that their manufacturing industry is not suitable for manufacturing fast-moving consumer goods and products that change quickly, because if a product has a lifespan of more than 20 years, it makes repeat customers awkward.

The Current State of "Made in Germany"

Germany has entered the post-industrial era. This means that there is not a single person in a factory; all processes, from material input, production, quality inspection, finished product packaging, to goods stacking, are all completed by machines. Almost only one person is needed to monitor the entire workshop to complete all production. The "operator" is actually an engineer; they only need to press buttons and troubleshoot periodically.

The Mindset of "Made in Germany"

There's a story: A friend asked a German colleague for directions. The German colleague very nicely said, "Wait an hour to find me; I need to check online." You would think it's just Googling a map and printing it out. But when he came back an hour later, he found that she had not only printed out the map and marked the route but had also marked where it would be easier to make a mistake. Finally, she put it in a very delicate plastic cover and handed it to my friend, and wrote her Tel number on a sticky note and gave it to my friend, saying that if he couldn't find the way, he could call her anytime.

Whenever a German colleague provides service to others, they will always consider it from the other person's point of view, "If someone asks me for this service, what are their real needs?" On the other hand, many Chinese colleagues often treat providing service to others as a task; as long as the main requirements are met and it's done before the deadline, that's enough.

This thinking will change the approach to making products. Both are making cars; what's the most important thing? Four wheels, it can run. The common approach is that as long as there are four wheels and it can run, other materials can be saved to make more money. The German approach would be: If I were the driver, besides four wheels and the ability to run, what else would I need?

The Secrets of German Products

Design: Europeans favor understated luxury, especially in high society, where exaggerated logos and designs are the least appealing. "Made in Germany" perfectly fits this consumer psychology. Take German pens (LAMY, Parker) as an example; the simplest designs often win over consumers. In the Red Dot Award, which represents the highest level of industrial design, German products that are both practical and understated are always the most popular.

Quality: It is the soul of a product. The Germans' pursuit of quality is almost magical. However, this pursuit is not limited to the appearance of the product; Germans are often more meticulous in places that are invisible. In the BMW Museum in Munich, early engine products of this luxury car Brand are on display. I saw a radial engine produced in the 1920s, where each bolt was connected with a wire. My father, an engineer, told me that this ensures that the torque of each bolt is equal, which explains why "Made in Germany" dominates the world.

Technology: It goes without saying that it was Germany's technology that China took note of, adopting a 'market for technology' approach after its reform and opening up. In this country founded by engineers and scientists, the passion for technology among people of all ages and genders can be glimpsed from the various exhibitions held each year. Even the upcoming Oktoberfest in Munich will have booths showcasing the latest technologies. At the bauma trade fair in Munich, I witnessed Germans of all ages, from the elderly to infants, visiting the engineering machinery exhibition, which was truly astonishing.

Service: This is also a major asset of German manufacturing. Generally, purchasing products from German companies ensures guaranteed After-sale Service. "You can contact us anytime if you have any problems." Although German products offer a return service within a certain period, the return rate is very low. The service attitude is what people feel most directly.

What makes German products so good?

The true source of quality in German products lies in their attention to detail and pursuit of excellence. Many German companies do not pursue the accumulation of wealth but rather the practicality of technology and products. Therefore, it is rare to see flashy advertisements or attractive packaging for German products (except for well-known global products).

German products rarely compete on Price with their counterparts. This is partly due to industry protection and partly because everyone knows that Price does not determine everything, and might even lead the entire industry into a vicious cycle. They prefer to ensure profits while reinvesting them in better products and service improvements.

German products do not undergo rapid updates, but focus on the quality and value of each product. Hardly any German company can become an overnight success or a global focus. They are often "small companies" and "slow companies" focusing on a specific field or product, but rarely "bad companies" or "counterfeit companies." Many of them boast centuries-old histories.

Without mentioning well-known German products like cars, let's look at some everyday German items and services to see what makes German products so good.

Children's food: All food-related products, especially children's food, are subject to strict regulations and inspections regarding safety, from ingredients and processing to sale. For example, German baby formula does not allow artificial flavorings or sweeteners for children under 3 years old. Extensive advertising of baby formula is prohibited, and all baby formula is regulated like pharmaceuticals; many maternal and infant products are only sold in pharmacies.

Adult food: Adult food, like children's food, is subject to strict inspections and regulations. For example, German chocolate must be made using natural cocoa butter. Natural cocoa butter in chocolate helps prevent cardiovascular disease, but many manufacturers use artificial cocoa butter to save costs. This artificial substitute can lead to kidney failure and arteriosclerosis.

Skincare products: Many German skincare Brands may not be as well-known as French ones, but several renowned German organic skincare Brands, such as Dr. Hauschka and Weleda, have established organic botanical gardens to provide organic ingredients for their products, ensuring product safety.

Cleaning agents: Cleaning agents contain chemical components that may pose some harm to humans. However, domestically produced non-industrial chemical products such as cleaning agents, hand washes, and dish soaps, in addition to their cleaning and sterilization functions, mostly use biodegradable technology. This means that microorganisms break down the chemical components, minimizing harm to humans.

Kitchenware: Many question why a German pot costs thousands of dollars. The high Price is not solely due to material quality and excellent production, but also the technology involved. For instance, Silit cookware has natural antibacterial and high-temperature resistance properties, while Fissler cookware undergoes 9,000 processing steps, making it energy-efficient and environmentally friendly with excellent heat transfer. This explains why some say that a single candle is enough to cook a meal with German cookware.

Household goods: German-made household goods best embody the concept of quality living, emphasizing quality. For instance, thermos flasks are artistic creations that integrate functionality, technology, and design. Another example is water filter jugs. One German Brand offers water filter jugs that filter out both inorganic and organic harmful substances, while also enriching the filtered water with magnesium.

German small household appliances: Brands like Bosch, Braun, Miele, and Siemens represent the high quality and essence of German home appliances. Their technological content is no less impressive than their automotive technology. For example, Braun's negative ion technology and Miele's external steam generator technology.

German health and skincare products: Almost all renowned German health and skincare Brands have their own laboratories and botanical gardens to ensure the natural organic quality of the ingredients and extraction techniques. Some products are only available in local pharmacies, a difference from many famous Brands. Germans invest in R&D and quality rather than advertising and promotion.

Product-related services: Product services rely on a sound security and insurance system. Therefore, all products have comprehensive After-sale Service and other services. For example, during online shopping, third-party logistics personnel would never mishandle packages, resulting in damage or poor delivery attitude.

This is German manufacturing: not prioritizing Price but value; not focusing on outward appearance but details; not emphasizing advertising but reputation; not pursuing speed but quality.