Gauges, methods and MSA

Gauges and inspection methods are the reference data used during inspection, so they sit as an always-visible menu item directly under Capture: Gauges / Methods, at /control/system?section=gauges. Characteristics link to a method and a gauge here, and Capture shows both to the inspector at entry.

The gauge register

Each gauge carries a gauge number, a description, ownership and the parts it checks. Ownership matters for evidence: a customer or supplier owned gauge records the owning customer and an asset number, and appears on the customer asset evidence. Linking parts to a gauge makes the gauge easy to pick when building characteristics.

Calibration tracking

Mark a gauge as requiring calibration and record the last calibration date and the next due date. Attach the calibration certificate or CMM result that proves the calibration; it is stored as governed evidence against the gauge. When a gauge is found past its due date, record the out-of-calibration review note: what was checked and the conclusion for product already released. That review is part of the audit story, not an afterthought.

MSA studies

Measurement system analysis studies are recorded per gauge. A study captures the study type (Gauge R&R by default), an optional characteristic it was run against, the study date, who performed it, the percent GRR, the ndc and an optional percent tolerance, with notes and the study report attached as evidence. The form carries the AIAG guidance inline: percent GRR under 10 accepts, 10 to 30 is marginal, over 30 rejects, and an ndc of 5 or more is desirable.

Inspection methods

Methods are the named ways of measuring: a method name plus an optional description that is shown wherever the method is selected. Keep them short and operational, for example Measure with vernier. Characteristics reference a method so the instruction follows the measurement point into Capture and onto the printed control plan.