Everything we measure generates variation, especially when there are multiple hands involved. To be honest even with just one person performing the same function, there will be some variation. Variation is not the enemy, uncontrolled variation is our nemesis!
When creating a Measurement System Analysis (MSA) there are 3 characteristics that you should focus on before you try any of the bells and whistles.
Is it accurate?
You need to know how accurate your measurement system is. If you can’t correctly count the number of variations happening can you really call them variations? Your measurement system is only as good as your accuracy, so it makes sense to spend a fair amount of time ensuring that not only are you counting defects, but you are counting the correct defects. This goes back to knowing why you want to measure something. If you want to find out why your shipments are late, measuring the number of birds around your facility won’t help. So accuracy needs two things: measuring the right data and ensuring the data is being measured in a way that answers your question.
Is it precise?
We’ve talked about precision and for a refresher precision is the reduction in variation. When you have identified your improvement area in the process, you are now ready for precision. So you are going to take one process, completed by the same person, in the same order every single time. Once you have identified this, you can began to reduce the variation and create precision.
Can you reproduce it?
The thought behind automating any process is ultimately making it scaleable, that is can you repeat the success? This is what determines a successful process from a failed one. Any process is good in theory, but where you get a great process is when you find one that can be repeated with the same amount of variation no matter who does it. That’s your end goal folks.
So we’ve covered the 3 basic characteristics of a Measurement System Analysis, so have a conversation with your belt and figure out your current state and your future. Your MSA will heavily influence your future, so take this conversation seriously. If you need more help, give us a call and let us help.
