A method and an apparatus provides a workpiece representation at a production station. A database is used to store a data record for providing an original model of the workpiece. A display unit at the production station displays the workpiece representation using stored model data. A first data record represents an original model of the workpiece, and stored in a database, a second data record, which is simplified in comparison with said first data record and for representing a simplified model of the workpiece, is generated and is stored A code is provided at the production station, and the terminal can use the code to retrieve the second data record and can use said second data record to display the simplified workpiece model. For outsiders, the transmitted code is unusable without a suitably configured terminal and/or without a suitable user identifier. The terminal can be, for example, a mobile screen device or smartglasses.