A method for producing a machine component from a workpiece includes registering a dimension of a surface of the workpiece to be machined and a margin of tolerance of the dimension, generating a signature pattern for the surface to be machined, shaping the workpiece at least on the surface to be machined, where a signature pattern is simultaneously produced during the shaping, and producing a check code on the workpiece, where the signature pattern has maximum dimensions that are within the tolerance margin.