CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Improvement Tools & Techniques

Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

Introduction

A Measurement System Analysis (MSA) is a specially designed experiment that seeks to identify the components of variation in measurements. Just as processes that produce a product may vary, the process of obtaining measurements and the data may have variation and produce defects. MSA is used to evaluate the test method, measuring instruments, and the entire process of obtaining measurements to ensure the integrity of data used for analysis and to identify any measurement errors.

Common tools and techniques in Measurement System Analysis include: calibration studies, components of variance, Attribute Gage Study, Gage Repeat and Reproducibility (R&R), ANOVA Gage R&R, Destructive Testing Analysis and others. The tool selected is usually determined by characteristics of the measurement system itself. Those implementing ISO/TS 16949 as well as organisations implementing Six Sigma will know of MSA. Improvement teams working on quality issues will likewise find this a useful addition to their quality tool box.

Benefits of Implementation

The organisation will be able to:

• comply to the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)’s requirement on MSA
• improve on data integrity and in that, make better decisions
• improve product quality
• communicate and share the MSA results more easily with customers