The ZEISS GUARDUS Defect Collector Chart module supports user and task adapted interfaces to record defects encountered throughout the production chain. Centrally configured check lists are supported by defect catalogues which represent the basic elements of this module. Any approved change in these lists is immediately available online at every workstation. The simple user interface can be configured to capture data either with the usual keyboard and mouse or through touch screen technology. In order to better support production employees, defect and production counters are represented graphically on screen, removing the need for tally sheets and shift summaries and thereby reducing double entries and erroneous data. For the production worker, additional support is available by having easy access to component defect images at the click of a button. When violations do occur, the appropriate personnel are automatically informed, so that an intervention or a correction to the deviation is executed promptly. Performance indicators concerning failure rates, critical errors per part, order and time ranges can be called online with a few simple mouse clicks for better production management.