Hello all,
Quick background then my question. I have recently completed my Bahelors in Quality Management, I hired in with a young company that does inbound inspection of parts for a large manufacturer. I am currently an auditor, but have applied for a different job internally (had to start by learning the basics). After discussions with my GM, he assigned me a task. Put together a Gage R&R program.

My problem: The GM wants a way to find the effectiveness of the auditors (approx 50) to determine if any of them need to be trianed better how to use the gaging. The first gage he wants checked is a digital caliper. Every auditor will use a pair many times each night. With the goal of deciding competene of the user, i thought the attribute tables would be the easiest to use, however my problem becomes when how to decide a pass or fail using a variable gage?

thank you for any help.

Do not use an attribute study on a variable gage. Perform a variable MSA, then analyze the Average and Range charts for differences between operators.

An operator that needs training will typically have higher ranges in the Range chart, or apparent differences in the Average chart (e.g., higher, lower, more variable, etc.).

Don't use this as a punishment method or everything that you try to accomplish with MSA will eventually fail. If operators are singled out for training, it could also cause issues. Consider training all operators, but give extra attention to those with issues.

I agree with Miner. The R & R variable study is for the appropriateness of the gauge in the application. Make sure all people involved in the study are "trained".

If you are using a micrometer, do not re-zero it between Operators.

I agree with Miner. The R & R variable study is for the appropriateness of the gauge in the application.

A variable study is used to determine whether the measurement system, including the operators (not just the gauge), is appropriate for the application.

If you are using a micrometer, do not re-zero it between Operators.

I assume you're referring to a digital micrometer. If so, the same would apply to calipers (or other digital devices). The method for use of digital micrometers or calipers should include having operators make sure that the device has been properly "zeroed out"; if an operator feels the need to re-zero the thing, it means that there is lack of consistency in using the device, which is part of what you're looking for. MSA results are sometimes found in places other than the mathematical calculations.

Jim:


Performing R & R studies, make sure that the people are "trained". After that, it is the measuring system (rather than gauge alone) that we are reviewing for its application.

I don't think we can "cherry pick" Operators today in high volume but we certainly can change the gauge.

Just some thoughts.