A Measurement System Analysis (MSA) is a specially designed experiment that seek s to identify the components of variation in the measurement.

Just as processes that produce a product may vary, the process of obtaining meas urements and data may have variation and produce defects. A Measurement Systems Analysis evaluates the test method, measuring instruments, and the entire proces s of obtaining measurements to ensure the integrity of data used for analysis (u sually quality analysis) and to understand the implications of measurement error for decisions made about a product or process. MSA is an important element of S ix Sigma methodology and of other quality management systems. MSA analyzes the collection of equipment, operations, procedures, software and p ersonnel that affects the assignment of a number to a measurement characteristic . A Measurement Systems Analysis considers the following: Selecting the correct measurement and approach Assessing the measuring device Assessing procedures and operators Assessing any measurement interactions Calculating the measurement uncertainty of individual measurement devices an d/or measurement systems Common tools and techniques of Measurement Systems Analysis include: calibration studies, fixed effect ANOVA, components of variance, Attribute Gage Study, Gage R&R, ANOVA Gage R&R, Destructive Testing Analysis and others. The tool selected is usually determined by characteristics of the measurement system itself. Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Factors affecting measurement systems ASTM ASME Auto industry Goals of MSA See also References

Factors affecting measurement systems Factors might include: Equipment: measuring instrument, calibration, fixturing, etc. People: operators, training, education, skill, care Process: test method, specification Samples: materials, items to be tested (sometimes called "parts"), sampling plan, sample preparation, etc. Environment: temperature, humidity, conditioning, pre-conditioning, Management: training programs, metrology system, support of people, support of quality management system, etc. These can be plotted in a "fishbone" Ishikawa diagram to help identify potential sources of measurement variation. ASTM ASTM has several procedures for evaluating measurement systems and test methods, including: ASTM D4356 Standard Practice for Establishing Consistent Test Method Toleran ces

ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Deter mine the Precision of a Test Method ASTM E1169 Standard Guide for Conducting Ruggedness Tests ASTM E1488 Standard Guide for Statistical Procedures to Use in Developing an d Applying Test Methods ASTM E2782 Standard Guide for Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) ASME ASME has several procedures and reports targeted at task specific uncertainty bu dgeting and methods for utilizing those uncertainty estimates when evaluating th e measurand for compliance to specification. B89.7.3.1 - 2001 Guidelines rtainty Determining Conformance B89.7.3.2 - 2007 Guidelines certainty (Technical Report) B89.7.3.3 - 2002 Guidelines surement Uncertainty Statements Auto industry The Measurement Systems Analysis process is defined in a number of published doc uments including the AIAG's MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis) Manual, which is part of a series of inter-related documents the AIAG controls and publishes. The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) is a non-profit association of automoti ve companies founded in 1982. These manuals[1] include: The The The The Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and Control Plan Manual Statistical process control (SPC) Manual MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis) Manual Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) Manual for Decision Rules: Considering Measurement Unce to Specifications for the Evaluation of Dimensional Measurement Un for Assessing the Reliability of Dimensional Mea

Goals of MSA Measurement uncertainty Accuracy and precision Bias Stability Linearity Repeatability and Reproducibility Attribute study Practical examples for calculating Bias, Stability, Linearity, Repeatability and reproducibility, Attribute study