Measurement System Analysis or MSA is a method used to determine the amount of variation that exists within a measurement process. The variation in the measurement process can directly contribute to the overall process variability. The MSA is used to certify the measurement system for use by evaluating and assessing the system's accuracy, precision, and stability.

‍

An effective MSA will help ensure that the data that is collected is accurate and the system collecting the data is appropriate for the process. Having good reliable data can help prevent downtime, prevent errors, save labor, and scrap in a manufacturing process.