Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Messung / Español: Medición / Português: Medição / Français: Mesure / Italiano: Misurazione /

In the context of quality management, measurement refers to the process of quantifying a characteristic or attribute of a product, service, or process..

The goal of measurement is to determine the current level of performance or quality and to identify areas for improvement. Measurement provides the data and information that is needed to make decisions, evaluate progress, and control processes.

General Description

In quality management, Measurement is essential for ensuring that processes and outputs meet specified requirements. It involves using tools, techniques, and metrics to collect data and evaluate parameters like efficiency, accuracy, customer satisfaction, and product quality. Measurements provide objective evidence to validate compliance with standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other industry-specific requirements.

Key aspects of measurement in quality management include:

• Quantitative Metrics: Numerical data such as defect rates, production cycle times, or customer satisfaction scores.
• Qualitative Assessments: Evaluations of attributes like usability or customer feedback.
• Benchmarking: Comparing performance metrics against industry standards or competitors.

Measurements are used in various stages of quality management, including:

• Quality Control (QC): To verify that a product or service meets quality specifications.
• Quality Assurance (QA): To ensure processes are effective and consistently produce desired results.
• Continuous Improvement: To identify opportunities for enhancing quality and efficiency.

Historically, measurement practices have evolved alongside advancements in technology and data analysis. Early methods focused on manual inspection and sampling, while modern approaches integrate automation, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics.

Special Considerations

Special Role of Calibration

Accurate measurements depend on properly calibrated equipment. Regular calibration ensures that measurement tools provide reliable data, reducing errors and inconsistencies.

Special Importance of Metrics Selection

Choosing the right metrics is critical to meaningful measurement. Metrics should align with quality objectives, be actionable, and provide insights that drive decision-making.

Application Areas

• Manufacturing: Measuring dimensions, tolerances, and production yields to ensure product quality.
• Service Industry: Evaluating response times, customer satisfaction, and service delivery accuracy.
• Healthcare: Measuring patient outcomes, treatment accuracy, and compliance with medical standards.
• IT and Software Development: Assessing system uptime, bug resolution rates, and user satisfaction.
• Construction: Monitoring project timelines, material quality, and safety compliance.

Well-Known Examples

• Statistical Process Control (SPC): Using measurements to monitor and control process variability.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Metrics such as defect rates, customer satisfaction scores, and lead times.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Measurement-driven analysis to identify and eliminate causes of defects.
• ISO 9001 Audits: Measuring compliance with quality management standards.
• Six Sigma DMAIC Framework: Defining, measuring, analysing, improving, and controlling processes using data-driven measurements.

More examples of measurements in quality management include:

• Measuring the number of defects in a manufacturing process
• Measuring the percentage of on-time deliveries in a supply chain
• Measuring customer satisfaction through surveys or interviews
• Measuring the number of errors or defects in a software application
• Measuring the time taken to complete a task
• Measuring the compliance to industry standards

It's worth to mention that measurement should be relevant, reliable, and consistent to be useful for quality management.

Risks and Challenges

• Inaccurate Data: Poorly calibrated tools or inconsistent methods can lead to unreliable measurements.
• Overemphasis on Quantitative Metrics: Focusing solely on numbers can overlook qualitative insights that are equally important.
• Data Overload: Collecting excessive data without a clear purpose can complicate decision-making.
• Misaligned Metrics: Choosing metrics that do not reflect organisational goals can result in wasted resources and missed opportunities for improvement.

Similar Terms

• Evaluation: A broader term that includes both quantitative and qualitative assessments.
• Assessment: Often used interchangeably with measurement, though it can imply a more holistic evaluation.
• Calibration: Ensuring the accuracy of measurement instruments.
• Metric: A specific standard or measure used in the context of measurement.

Weblinks

• wind-lexikon.de: 'Messung' in the wind-lexikon.de (German)
• psychology-lexicon.com: 'Measurement' in the psychology-lexicon.com
• environment-database.eu: 'Measurement' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu
• umweltdatenbank.de: 'Messung' im Lexikon der umweltdatenbank.de (German)

Articles with 'Measurement' in the title

• Meta-measurement: Meta-measurement in the context of quality management refers to the practice of evaluating and measuring the effectiveness of existing measurement systems within an organisation

Summary

Measurement in quality management is the systematic process of quantifying or assessing attributes and performance to ensure compliance with quality standards and objectives. It supports monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts. By focusing on accurate, meaningful, and actionable metrics, measurement provides the foundation for effective quality control, assurance, and strategic decision-making.

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