Measurement system analysis for continuous quality improvement in automobile SMEs: multiple case study

Abstract

The objective of this study is to substantiate the practicality of measurement system analysis (MSA) for continuous quality improvement (CQI) specifically for the automobile small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). MSA is one of the Auto Core Tools widely used in the automobile industry. The real-life case studies have been carried out in the automobile SMEs situated in Gujarat, India. Four automobile SMEs have been preferred to conduct MSA. All of them supply their products to automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers. MSA – Gauge R&R (repeatability and reproducibility) study has been conducted for critical to quality (CTQ) parameters of each company’s product and results have been analysed. MSA has been utilised to measure its impact on product and process quality and external/internal failure, the overall effect on CQI. The results of MSA at each of four SMEs identify opportunity for quality improvement; specifically in the measurement system – instrument and appraiser. Identified improvement points have been implemented during the period of six months which improves the results significantly. The results of MSA show the significant improvement in the measurement system, mainly in appraiser variation and equipment variation. This paper traces how MSA had been implemented in automotive SMEs and quality improvement methods identified. It should be of high value to practitioners and academicians who are interested in MSA, and CQI.