5. Process Improvement
5.2. Assumptions

5.2.1.

Is the measurement system capable?

Metrology capabilities are a key factor in most experiments

It is unhelpful to find, after you have finished all the experimental runs, that the measurement devices you have at your disposal cannot measure the changes you were hoping to see. Plan to check this out before embarking on the experiment itself. Measurement process characterization is covered in Chapter 2.

SPC check of measurement devices

In addition, it is advisable, especially if the experimental material is planned to arrive for measurement over a protracted period, that an SPC (i.e., quality control) check is kept on all measurement devices from the start to the conclusion of the whole experimental project. Strange experimental outcomes can often be traced to `hiccups' in the metrology system.