kamran sharief Every manufacturing company gathers copious amounts of data on systems and processes daily. This data then facilitates decisions across all areas of the company, including hiring, equipment needs, and even environmental elements. With so many crucial factors, it’s important that data collection is reliable. The only way to ensure this is to use a measurement system. Measurement system analysis are a group of complementary measures that help companies verify various characteristics of a process to check the characteristic’s accuracy. While many companies are swift to put measurement systems in order, many strive to keep up with them, rendering them obsolete after too many years of neglect.
So how does a company know that the collected data is reliable?
Measurement Systems Analysis allows us to ensure that there is minimal variation in our measurement.
Measurement is essential in six sigma.
(MSA) is nothing but a technique of determining the variation in the measurement process.
Table of Contents
There are five guidelines to investigate in an MSA;
- Bias
- Linearity
- Stability
- Repeatability
- Reproducibility
What is Measurement System Analysis?
Measurement system analysis (MSA) is inclusive of various techniques used to assess the performance of a manufacturer’s measurement system. MSA conducts an experiment to find any variation in a measurement process. Measurement processes have several measures, such as software or gages, and a wide range of sources for potential variation, for example, personnel and environmental factors. The experiment conducted in MSA will calculate each feature of the process, including the test method, any measuring instruments used in the process, and every technique used to obtain measurements. The objective of the measurement system analysis is to protect the data itself.
Incorporating MSA in six sigma methodology and quality management is crucial for better data analysis and future decision making. With the information provided by the analysis, companies are better enlightened on the implications
for any measurement error, which helps make decisions about individual products and processes.
Measurement Systems Analysis Fundamentals
A measurement system analysis seeks to define whether the correct measurement is being use for the measurement system or not. Does the approach make sense with all the potential factors? This followed by the assessment of the measuring device. Measuring tools such as gages and fixtures break, leaving them less
effective. The MSA will know if a measuring tool or device needs to be calibrated, replaced, or updated. The measurement system analysis will also evaluate the personnel’s ability to
effectively carry on with the measurement system instructions and any environmental factors that might hinder the process. The smallest variations in the
working process could result in skewed results, potentially leading to flawed products. The MSA’s objective is to identify these variations and prevent this from happening.
The measurement system analysis helps calculate all this variation to determine if The current measurement system requires an overhaul. Many methods that can use to complete an MSA, such as destructive testing analyses or calibration studies.
Repeatability and Reproducibility
All these evaluations help distinguish the reproducibility and repeatability or the R&R part of the study. Reproducibility will determine how much
variation existed between operators, indicating whether there is a need for updated training or process management. Repeatability will tell the
effectiveness of the technique used for measurement purposes.
This R&R percentage will decide whether the gage is acceptable for spontaneous use. If the score drops below 10 per cent, the measurement system remains to operate as an acceptable system. If it goes above 30 per cent, the action is required to improve the measurement system to bring it to a Gage R&R percentage under 10 per cent. A Gage R&R percentage between 10 and 30 per cent can be acceptable, depending on other factors considered in the measurement process.
Conclusion
A measurement system is not enough if it never properly analysed and calibrated. Not having a strong MSA will make the quality of products suffer, destroying customer loyalty. When a sturdy MSA in the six sigma program is properly utilized, problems are easier to detect, and waste is eliminated.
MSA is an important element in quality management and six sigma because repeatable and reproducible data reduces waste. A good MSA will allow the companies to determine ways to adjust and improve both measuring techniques and measuring operations. The measure phase in a project is one of many phases any given create the perfect project calendar which goes through. In Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification teaches about all of the details that go into the Measure Phase as well as the remaining four phases that make up a project. This certification course has options for self-paced learning, giving users the ability to choose the learning model that works best for them.
Having an in-depth understanding of MSA in six sigma or MSA in quality management is necessary for anyone who works in quality control or is simply looking for ways to improve an organization’s quality or process.
