REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate)
in Germany, matched in minutes from 15,000 CVs with the power of AIIdentify freelancers who can analyse work processes, carry out time and method studies, and support shopfloor improvement with REFA methods. Get fast, precise matching with vetted freelancers holding the REFA-Grundschein.
Meet FRATCH REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany
Daniel G.
Last position:
Online Marketing – Secondary Employment
- Management and optimization of a Shopify shop in the streetwear/fashion sector, including SEO, SEA, and content creation.
- Implementation of Google Ads, Meta Ads, keyword research, landing pages, and ongoing SEO optimization.
- Implementation of newsletter and affiliate marketing, as well as maintenance and optimization of product data.
Jonathan W.
Last position:
Freelance project manager and consultant at Freelance project manager and consultant
- Technical project manager for injection molds, medical:
- Supplier management
- Schedule planning and coordination
- Supplier visits
- Relocation
- New tools and tool revisions
- Technical project manager and coordinator for wiper systems, international automotive:
- Communication and facilitation of internal and customer meetings
- Coordination of team activities
- Communication with suppliers and supplier management
- Planning and carrying out plant tests
- Industrial engineer for bumper projects, automotive:
- Plant planning and procurement
- Process planning and optimization
- Internal and external communication
- Consulting for Tier 1 automotive on plastic injection molding production:
- Layout planning
- Capacity planning
- Recommendation of machine and tool suppliers
Karlheinz G.
Last position:
Consultant / Test Analyst / Supporter at Insurance office, Spaichingen
Project: Process optimization & IT support in an insurance broker office.
Project activities:
- Analysis of processes and definition of requirements
- Consulting for the implementation of a cloud solution (soho)
- Installation and verification of new infrastructure HW
- Cloud installation & configuration
- Definition and creation of use cases
- Performing user acceptance tests (UAT)
- User training / training
- IT support (cloud, PC, server, printer, network)
Label: Insurance, infrastructure, configuration, training, support
Jürgen D.
Last position:
Consultant at Transformer Factory
Consultant for a transformer factory and authoring a specialist and textbook in novel form.
Mario P.
Last position:
Owner & Interim Manager at MaPa Consulting FZ-LLC
- Project and interim management for manufacturing companies nationally & internationally
- AI implementation and consulting for SMEs
- Restructuring, reorganization, factory planning (greenfield & brownfield)
Michael S.
Last position:
Principal Consultant / Managing Director at The Implementers GmbH
Consulting and interim management in the automotive industry, healthcare and other sectors focusing on program management, production launches, plant management, supplier development, cost reduction, process optimization, AI implementation and AI-driven process automation.
Key projects:
Concept for performance documentation of a pain therapy department with interdisciplinary input and reconciliation with OPS catalogue (Feb 2026).
Complete billing system for a medical practice with multi-tenant support, state machine workflow, ZUGFeRD/EN16931-compliant invoice generation, OpenEMR integration; implemented with ~4 200 LOC Python, ~1 700 LOC SQL, 30+ endpoints, 13 DB migrations (Dec 2025 — Feb 2026).
Clinical decision support system for inpatient pain therapy including automated processing of pain questionnaires, AI-generated therapy recommendations and longitudinal analysis; stack: FastAPI, Ollama, PyMuPDF, React + TypeScript, PostgreSQL, Docker (Sep 2025 — Mar 2026).
End-to-end AI-powered transcription and documentation pipeline from physician-patient conversations with WhisperX transcription, five-stage LLM pipeline, review UI and self-hosted infrastructure; stack: FastAPI, WhisperX, Ollama, React + TypeScript, Docker (Aug 2025 — Feb 2026).
AI-powered pipeline for document recognition and automated bank reconciliation processing >3 000 transactions and >4 000 documents with multi-model OCR, LLM-based document separation, web UI and loop-based prompt versioning; infrastructure: Docker Compose, PostgreSQL, Ollama LLM server (Aug 2025 — present).
Supplier development for suspension parts including changes, new launches, relocations and bottleneck management for KTM (May 2023 — Nov 2024).
Leading transfer of 150 serial production items after supplier plant closure for KTM (Jul 2022 — Jan 2024).
Lean and process consultation for Swiss manufacturer of electro components at Von Roll Schweiz AG (Jun 2018 — Nov 2018).
Ongoing back office support and process improvement for a private pain therapy & TCM practice including anesthesia protocols, website setup, digitalization and process optimization (May 2018 — May 2025).
Acting plant manager for interior trim components in Hungary focusing on stabilization, tooling optimization, headcount reduction and backlog reduction at MAO Automotive GmbH & Co (Feb 2018 — Jun 2018).
Start-up consulting and coaching for private pain therapy & TCM practice covering concept, business plan, financing, construction, setup and SOP implementation (May 2017 — Apr 2018).
Program manager for critical suppliers DAG BR238 door trim leading supplier qualification, sampling, PPAP/EMPB tracking and process approvals at Megatech Industries Deutschland GmbH (Jul 2016 — Oct 2017).
Interim COO and acting plant manager in aluminum profile processing automotive supplier with 350 employees and €80 M revenue, leading expansion in Slovakia at PWG Profilrollen-Werkzeugbau GmbH (Sep 2015 — May 2016).
Leading labor and material efficiency program for headliner production focusing on process, material, labor and supplier cost reduction at Motus Headliner GmbH (Jan 2015 — Aug 2015).
Leading development program for interior door trim DAG C292 including launch phase onsite in MS & AL at Toyota Boshoku America (Sep 2012 — Jan 2015).
Leading cost down team for DAG C218 door panels at Toyota Boshoku Europe NV (Mar 2012 — Aug 2012).
Sun visor development consulting for project team in Turkey including optimization, market analysis and design reviews at MARTUR FOMPAK (Jan 2012 — Dec 2014).
Leading transfer of injection molding tools to new suppliers including sampling, assembly trials and PPAP/EMPB coordination at Toyota Boshoku Europe NV (Jan 2012 — Aug 2012).
Program manager for BMW sun visors L7 Platform with production transfer and new development of F30 sun visor at Magna (Jul 2010 — Dec 2011).
Andreas K.
Last position:
Project Manager at Winkelmann Building+Industry / Reflex Winkelmann
As part of a greenfield project, a new production plant is being built in Slovakia to produce industrial media storage for OEMs and distributors once completed.
Procurement and industrialization of production equipment for prefabrication.
Design, procurement, installation and integration of complete production lines based on stamping, forming and welding technology with integrated, labor-reducing processes.
Establishment of a production environment under strategic aspects according to the latest state of the art.
Overall and continuous communication with the entire greenfield team, adjacent departments and plant and executive management.
Development of concepts together with key suppliers and identification of ratio potentials along manufacturing process chains using value stream analyses.
Collection, assessment and application of process data such as throughput times, manufacturing times, setup times, wait and idle times using time and multimoment studies as well as surveys.
Forward-looking design of production systems and processes with the goal of implementing automated and competitive process solutions as part of comprehensive supply chain management.
Planning of production workflows, definition of manufacturing methods, design of the overall layout and workstations.
Determination and recording of process cost rates, overhead rates, cost evaluation of production processes, machine hourly rates, depreciation as well as expected share of claims and rework costs to optimize manufacturing costs.
Continuous optimizations of product designs for their adaptation into automation-oriented production environments until the plant's SOP.
Multi-project management for the engineering, design, procurement, installation and process integration of all relevant trades with respect to plant engineering, lifting equipment, production equipment and QA installations.
Ongoing establishment of an overall concept in constructive, plant engineering, logistical, IT and QA aspects.
Peter R.
Last position:
Freelance Personnel Developer, Trainer, Consultant, Coach, Process Facilitator, Mediator at Self-employed
- Personnel developer
- Trainer
- Consultant
- Coach
- Process facilitator
- Mediator
- DISG trainer
- Moderator
- Conflict resolution specialist
Martin S.
Last position:
Process, Project & Interim Manager at Freelance
- Developing sustainable solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Supporting and implementing company restructuring and business process optimization
- Preparing specifications and requirements documents and implementing new structures
- Leading and coaching employees during change management
- Developing strategies and putting them into practice
- Strategic and operational project management
Jens J.
Last position:
Development Engineer – Design/Project Management/Purchasing at P-Wave AG
- Conception, development, and design of explosion generators: concept, draft, calculations, design of generators, procurement of parts, assembly of developed units, as well as tests and trials for functionality, safety, and optimization, further development up to series production
- Installation and commissioning of P-Wave PWG-S types 100 to 103 and subsequent types at customer sites
- Training of customer employees in handling the generators
- Maintenance of P-Wave PWG-S generators 100 to 103 and subsequent types
- Creation of PID and KKS numbering lists
- Project execution of orders in German-speaking regions
- Purchasing all parts and assemblies needed for project execution, and coordinating the assembly of the PWG-S system by partner companies
- Responsible for cost optimization of purchased parts
- Production planner
- Responsible for PDM data and optimization of data management, transition from manual to automatic data management
Günter F.
Last position:
Managing Partner at Prozessoptimierung4you
Frank E.
Last position:
eltric GmbH
- MTM
- Creation of digital work instructions (including image editing)
Eiko S.
Last position:
Parental Leave Project
- Self-directed learning of WordPress
- Sketching goals and creating the first draft using the Design Thinking method
- Setting up and launching the MVP [link]
Heike G.
Last position:
Interim Manager at Ypsotec AG
- Assignment to the Project Management Office (PMO) for professional consulting and support of several parallel projects, focusing on savings potential and process optimization
- Analysis of existing workflows and development of optimization proposals in close cooperation with specialist departments
- Monitoring of project progress, deadlines and achievement of objectives
- Increasing efficiency and digitalization in procurement
- Process optimization in logistics
- Temporary staffing support in operational procurement
- Savings in procurement equivalent to a total of 1.6 FTE
Dennis W.
Last position:
Factory Planner and Overall Project Lead: Factory Planning at EPRO Emerson
- Conducted a site survey: Detailed documentation of all existing machines, equipment, layouts, utilities, and processes
- Technical analysis: Assessed the performance, efficiency, and utilization of machines and their interfaces
- Process mapping: Documented material flow, lead times, bottlenecks, and waste
- Layout optimization: Analyzed the existing setup, simulated material and people flows, and developed an improved factory layout
- Cost-benefit analysis: Analyzed the costs and benefits of replacing, modernizing, or modifying equipment
- Stakeholder management: Engaged production, maintenance, logistics, occupational safety, and senior management
- Created a roadmap: Planned implementation phases, milestones, investments, and downtime
- Prepared change management: Employee training, communication plan, and support for the culture shift toward more modern processes
- Modification plan and tracking
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
33 years
Position duration
3 years
Positions per freelancer
16
Top business areas
Operations, Quality Assurance, Project Management
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Professional Services
Certification focus areas
Operations, Quality Assurance, Production
Bachelor's degree or higher
83%
Master's degree or higher
30%
Doctorate
10%
Certifications per freelancer
9
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
85%
Based on our profile pool as of 15 Nov 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts holding this certification in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.
Average rates for REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 15 Nov 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Manufacturing (95%)
- Automotive (66%)
- Professional Services (51%)
- Healthcare (29%)
- Transportation (27%)
- Aerospace and Defense (24%)
- Energy (24%)
- Information Technology (24%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the certification
What it is
The REFA-Grundschein, also known as the REFA Basic Certificate or simply REFA Grundschein, is an entry-level qualification in work study and industrial engineering. It shows that a person understands how work is analysed, described, measured and improved in a structured way.
What it validates
- Basic REFA methods for observing and describing work
- Time study and method study fundamentals
- Process and workplace analysis
- Understanding of performance, effort and standardised work design
- Practical support for planning, improvement and costing tasks
For companies, the certificate signals a freelancer who can work with facts, not assumptions. In Germany, that is useful in production, logistics, operations and process improvement projects where clear methods and clean documentation matter.
Typical holders
The REFA-Grundschein is often held by industrial engineers, process planners, production staff, supervisors and consultants who work close to the shop floor. It is also a good fit for freelancers supporting lean improvement, capacity planning, layout changes or standard work projects.
Freelancers with this background usually know how to translate daily work into usable data. They can talk to operators, document the current state and help teams compare different ways of doing the same task.
Core knowledge
- Work analysis and work structuring
- Time recording and evaluation
- Method comparison and process improvement
- Basic ergonomics and workplace design
- Standard time thinking for planning and controlling operations
The certificate is rooted in REFA methods, so it is especially relevant where companies want disciplined improvement instead of ad hoc changes. It can support projects in manufacturing, technical services and logistics, including sites in Germany that work with German-speaking teams and local shopfloor routines.
What it means for hiring
A freelancer with the REFA-Grundschein is usually prepared for hands-on analysis work. That can include observing tasks, documenting sequence steps, supporting time studies, creating clearer standard processes and helping line managers see where effort is lost.
For employers, this lowers the risk of bringing in someone who knows the theory but not the day-to-day reality of operational work. It is a practical signal for projects that need careful measurement, clear language and acceptance from production teams.
Where it fits
The REFA-Grundschein is not a senior strategy certificate. It is a foundation for applied work study. That makes it useful when a project needs structured analysis at the operational level, especially before larger redesign, automation or capacity decisions.
It is most relevant in settings such as:
- Manufacturing and assembly
- Logistics and material flow
- Industrial planning and operations support
- Shopfloor improvement and standardisation
- Cross-functional process reviews with German-speaking stakeholders
Frequently asked questions
Key details about REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate), drawn from the questions we get asked most.
The REFA-Grundschein proves that a freelancer understands the basics of REFA work study. That includes analysing work steps, documenting processes, and using methodical approaches to improve work organisation. It is a practical signal, especially for operational projects where structure and accuracy matter.
The REFA Basic Certificate is an entry-level qualification. It covers the foundations of work analysis and process design, while more advanced REFA training goes deeper into planning, leadership, specialist methods or broader industrial engineering topics. For employers, the Grundschein is a sign of solid basics rather than full expert-level depth.
This certificate fits people who work close to operations and improvement. Typical profiles include industrial engineers, production planners, consultants, supervisors and freelancers who support time studies or shopfloor optimisation. It is especially useful for anyone who needs to speak the language of the workplace and turn observation into usable data.
Projects that involve method study, time recording, standard work, workplace design or process improvement benefit most. The certificate is also useful in manufacturing, logistics and technical operations where work needs to be analysed in a clear and accepted way. In Germany, it can be especially relevant when teams expect structured documentation and practical communication.
Many people pursue the REFA-Grundschein as a foundation certificate, so it is often suitable before deeper specialist work. Some practical familiarity with production or operations helps, because the content becomes more useful when you can relate it to real work situations. The exact entry path depends on the REFA training route chosen.
Preparation is mainly about understanding everyday work processes. It helps to be comfortable observing tasks, comparing methods, and working with clear definitions, timings and documentation. Candidates who already know a production or process environment usually find it easier to connect the course content to practice.
The REFA-Grundschein is generally treated as a foundation qualification rather than a short-lived licence. In practice, employers care more about whether the holder still applies REFA methods correctly and keeps their skills current. If someone has not used the methods for a long time, recent project experience matters more than the certificate alone.
In Germany, the REFA-Grundschein is well known in industrial and operational settings. Companies look for it because it suggests a shared method vocabulary for work study, process analysis and workplace improvement. That makes it easier to bring in a freelancer who can contribute quickly and work well with local teams.
The average hourly rate for freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany is 115 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 922 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany, 83% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 30% hold at least a Master's degree, and 10% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany have 33 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 3 years.
The most common languages among freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany are German (100%), English (83%), and French (12%).
The most common industries among freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany are Manufacturing (95%), Automotive (66%), and Professional Services (51%).
The most common business areas among freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany are Operations (90%), Quality Assurance (85%), and Project Management (83%).
FRATCH REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) main locations
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
