Understand MSA in brief before getting in the depths

What is MSA?
A Measurement system is a process by which we assign a number to a characteristic of a product or service.
The_ first step in assessing a system is to understand this process, and determine whethe_r it will satisfy our
requirements.
Measurement System Analysis, often referred to as MSA, is used to assess the_ statistical properties of
process measurement systems.
MSA primarily deals with analyzing the_ effect of the_ measurement system on the_ measured value in
quantifiable terms
Emphasis is on the_ effect due to equipment and personnel
We test the_ system to determine the_ numerical values of its statistical properties and compare the_m to
accepted standards. It is a process used to standardize the_ methods of analysis to ensure and
demonstrate that your measuring systems have adequate resolution, do not excessively bias results, and
possess a small variability in comparison with specified tolerances. It helps you assess, monitor, and
reduce measurement system variation. The_ objective of a measurement system analysis study is to
make sure that your measurement system - gages, methods, and procedures are stable and capable of
measuring data, before continuing with your process improvement efforts. It ensures that your measuring
procedures and systems provide:
Adequate resolution
Results that are not unduly biased, and
Little variability in comparison with specified tolerances

Fundamental Issues
To evaluate a measurement system determine:
If it has adequate discrimination
If it is statistically stable over time
If statistical properties are consistent over the_ expected range and acceptable for process analysis or
control
If the_ sum of all variables is an acceptable level of measurement uncertainty

Overall Objective of MSA

Uncertainty of Measurement
It is the_ range within which the_ true value of a characteristic is estimated to lie. Such data can be expressed
as the_ statistical distribution of a series of measurements, standard deviations, probability, percentages, and
error as the_ difference between actual value minus the_ true value, as points on a control chart or diagram.

Best-in-Class Approach
Determining the_se fundamental issues are most meaningful if made relative to process variation
Reporting measurement error as only percent of tolerance is inadequate for the_ worldwide market where
emphasis is on continual process improvement

Use of Data in Measurement System Studies

The_ data collected using a measurement system is used:
To control process
In estimating the_ existence of relationship between variables that can affect the_ outcome of a process
To conduct analytical studies to increase the_ knowledge about the_ system of causes and its effect on
processes
To focus on measurement systems where readings can be repeated on each part, and reproduced by
different operators.
A measurement is not always exact. Measurement system variation affects individual measurements and
decisions based on data. Measurement system errors are classified into five categories: bias, repeatability,
reproducibility, stability, and linearity. You need to know the_ extent of variation before deciding on the_
following applications.

MSA Applications

Establish criteria for suitability and acceptability of new measuring equipment

Compare one measuring device against anothe_r
Evaluate suspect equipment
Compare the_ performance of an equipment before and after its repair
Calculate measurement system variation
Establish acceptability of manufacturing process
Manage & improve the_ measurement process

Where to start?
Evaluate the_ components of the_ measuring system, and control the_ variation in the_m as much as
possible to ensure that an item of measuring equipment complies with the_ requirements for its intended
use
Expand your consideration of Measurement Process Variation to Measurement System Statistical Properties
& Measurement Uncertainty.
Follow the_ basics of SPC.

Process Accuracy Measurements

Stability
Stability (or drift) is total variation in measurements obtained with a measurement system on same master or
parts when measuring a single characteristic over an extended time period (a time period is days, not hours).
Stability is the_ key to predictability. Stable processes are those that are free from special cause variation. In
terms of measuring equipment, stability is determined by using a control chart. As measurements are taken,
points within the_ limits indicate that the_ process has not changed and the_ prediction is made that it is not
likely to change in the_ future. Statistical process control (SPC), scatter plots, or othe_r forms of statistical
analysis are used to measure process stability.

Linearity
Linearity is the_ difference in the_ accuracy values through the_ expected operating range of the_ equipment.
Selecting the_ parts throughout the_ operating range of the_ instrument can determine the_ linearity. The_
accuracy of the_se parts is determined by the_ difference between the_ master measurement and the_
observed average measurement.

Bias
Difference between observed average of measurements and reference value. The_ reference value, also
known as accepted reference value or master value, is a value that serves as an agreed upon reference for
measured values. A reference value can be determined by averaging several measurements with a higher level
of measuring equipment.

Process Precision Measurements

Gage R&R
Gage R&R statistically isolates different types of variation in the_ measurement process. The_se types of
variation include:
Repeatability = equipment variation = within variation
Reproducibility = appraiser variation = between variation
Residual or pure error
Variation due to interaction effects. For example, out of several inspectors, one might have a tendency to
read one gage differently than othe_rs.
Gage R&R- Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility can be applied to any kind of measurement (attribute or
variables, indeterminate or determinate). The_ two most common methods used and supported by statistical
software are the_ ANOVA method (Analysis Of Variance) and the_ average and range method.
Repeatability refers to the_ variation in measurements obtained with one measurement instrument when used
several times by one assessor while measuring the_ identical characteristics on the_ same part.
Reproducibility refers to the_ variation in the_ average of measurements made by different assessors using
the_ same measuring instrument while measuring the_ identical characteristics on the_ same part.

R&R is the_ combination of repeatability and reproducibility variation, and is considered as the_ total
measurement variation excluding within part variation and variation in central location.

Reference Material
A material or substance with one or more properties, which are sufficiently well established to be used for the_
calibration of an apparatus, assessment of a measurement method, or for assigning values to materials.

Measurement Uncertainty

Measurement Uncertainty is the_ sum of all the_ probabilities (percents) assigned to the_ variables that
make up the_ measurement system.
The_ total of the_se probabilities should be weighed, and carry importance in proportion to the_
seriousness, and criticality of the_ measurements being made.
Decisions resulting from measurement system analysis include:
o Using the_ system as is, taking into account its uncertainty.
o Improving the_ system to control the_ variation in the_ contributing factors.
o Considering othe_r measurement systems of higher levels of discrimination and capability.
Product and process conformance are determined by the_ measurements taken by a measurement system. If
the_ measuring process is changing over time, the_ ability to use the_ data gathe_red in making decisions is
reduced. In essence, establishing the_ adequacy of your measurement system using a measurement system
analysis process is fundamental to measuring your own business process capability, and meeting the_ needs of
your customer.