Abstract: A workstation at a packaging machine with a tool having an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) whereby at least one of said parts (3) is driven with a stroke-type movement and a compressive force is exerted via said tool onto a workpiece (4) in the working position, and said tool has a spring arrangement (26), the prestress and deflection path of which can be adjusted. A device (25) for measuring the compressive force on the workpiece (4) in the working position is provided and so located in the area of the upper and/or lower part (2 and/or 3) of the tool that it is loaded by the compressive force in the working position.