Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

Information and overview

Table of Contents

About WEDEAQ

WEDEAQ Scandinavia AB is a Swedish consulting company specializing in quality management and quality development in the automotive business according to requirements in IATF 16949 and based on methods from VDA QMC and AIAG. We have more than a decade of experience in the field and are the official licensed partner of VDA QMC in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.

We provide expert-led training, internal audits, consulting services, and translated VDA publications to support manufacturers in meeting international automotive quality standards. Our services are designed for companies across Scandinavia and the Baltic region – including Estonia – that aim to improve their quality systems, prepare for certification, and enhance process performance.
We operate in:
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Sweden

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Finland

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Norway

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Denmark

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Estonia

confirmation letter for official licensed partner of VDA QMC
confirmation letter for official licensed partner of VDA QMC

The only official VDA QMC partner in the Nordics.

“What you cannot measure, you cannot control. What you cannot control, you cannot improve” – Lord Kelvin

What is Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)?

Measurement System Analysis, often abbreviated as MSA, is one of the key components of Core Tools. It is a method of analyzing variations that may occur in a measurement system to ensure that measurement results are reliable. By performing predetermined measurements on known objects, one can evaluate how circumstances affect the results.

 

A measurement system can be very diverse and include for example:

  • Product measurement
  • Customer satisfaction survey
  • Estimation of CO2 emissions

When it is crucial to rely on the measurement results to make the right decision, it is the right time to conduct an MSA.

Why?

All measurements involve some risk of variation. For example, if you measure the diameter of an apple, the results may differ due to the uneven shape of the apple. So which measurement is the right one?

 

The results of a measurement system analysis help identify what needs to be improved, such as:

  • Training of staff
  • Improved instructions and methods
  • Optimized technology or equipment
  • Adaptation of the working environment

With a reliable measurement system analysis, businesses can make better and more informed decisions. Learn how to identify improvement areas with a gap analysis.

How does Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) work?

An MSA involves repeated measurements on several objects to analyze variations that may be due to:

  • Measuring devices (e.g. calipers or clocks)
  • Measurement objects
  • Handling by staff

The analysis is designed depending on what is to be measured and what level of risk is acceptable. Factors that may vary include:

  • Number of measurement objects
  • Number of assessors
  • Number of repetitions

Who?

Anyone who performs measurements or makes decisions based on measurement results will benefit from understanding MSA. This includes:

  • Project managers
  • Quality managers
  • Operators and technicians
  • Business managers

Tools for Measurement Systems Analysis

In our trainings we use the Minitab software, one of the most reliable tools for measurement system analysis. Minitab offers:

  • Standardized methods for analysis
  • Flexibility to handle different measurement processes
  • Cost-effectiveness compared to developing your own solutions

We cooperate with Norsys AB/Minitab and offer a free 30-day trial version for you to try the program.

Training in Measurement Systems Analysis

We offer regular two-day training courses in Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) to give you and your team the knowledge needed to ensure reliable measurement results. During the training we go through:

  • Theoretical foundations of MSA and its importance in quality work.
  • Practical applications, where we analyze variations in measurements using real examples.
  • Tools used, including variable measurement (e.g. calipers or clocks) and attribute measuring devices/interpreters (e.g. go/stop methods).