Measurement System Analysis (MSA) Plan Template
Before measurement data can support a PPAP or a process decision, the measurement systems need to be shown capable. An MSA plan lists which systems need which studies, who owns them and when they are due.
Fill in
Measurement System Analysis Plan Template
Measurement System Analysis Plan
Acme Precision Ltd Part: BRK-1001 Mounting bracket Customer: Example OEM Date: 2026-10-19 Owner: Quality engineer
Measurement systems in scope
1. Digital caliper CAL-0045 for outside width 100 mm 2. CMM for hole position 3. Visual inspection of surface finish (attribute)
Study matrix
| Measurement system | Study type | Sample | Owner | Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital caliper | Variable gage R&R | 10 parts, 3 appraisers, 3 trials, parts chosen across process range | Quality engineer | 2026-11-15 |
| CMM | Variable gage R&R | 10 parts, 3 appraisers, 3 trials, parts chosen across process range | Quality engineer | 2026-11-15 |
| Visual inspection | Attribute agreement | 30 to 50 samples, 3 appraisers | Quality engineer | 2026-11-15 |
| All systems | Bias, linearity, stability | Per gage | Metrology | 2026-11-15 |
Acceptance criteria
Gage R&R under 10 percent, acceptable
Also review the number of distinct categories, which should be 5 or more for variable data, and confirm gage resolution is fine enough for the tolerance.
Actions if criteria are not met
Investigate the main sources of variation, improve fixturing, training or resolution, repeat the study, and record the decision in the control plan.
Approvals
A planning aid that follows common AIAG MSA practice. Your customer or contract may specify different acceptance criteria and sample sizes, so confirm before use.
Organize MSA evidence from your ERP
Optional review of how to tie MSA studies to inspection plans and gages.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
What to put in the plan
Start from the control plan and list every measurement system used for special or key characteristics. For each, pick the right study: variable gage R&R for continuous data, attribute agreement analysis for pass-fail or visual checks, and bias, linearity and stability for the gage itself. State the sample, acceptance criteria, owner and due date.
- One row per measurement system and characteristic
- Choose parts that cover the process range, not just good parts
- Include appraisers who actually do the job
Acceptance guidelines
Under common AIAG guidance, a gage R&R under 10 percent of tolerance or total variation is generally acceptable, 10 to 30 percent may be acceptable depending on the application and cost, and above 30 percent is generally unacceptable. The number of distinct categories should be at least five. Customers can set stricter rules, so confirm them in the contract or quality manual.
Linking to APQP and the ERP
MSA is part of APQP and PPAP deliverables in automotive and appears in aerospace supplier requirements. Record study results against the gage and part in your quality system or ERP inspection plan, so the evidence is available at audit. Re-run studies after major changes in gage, fixture, method or appraisers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an MSA study required?
Typically during APQP and PPAP for characteristics in the control plan, and when a measurement system is new or changed. Some customers require periodic repeats. Check your customer-specific requirements.
Which study for visual inspection?
Use an attribute agreement analysis, comparing appraisers to each other and to a known reference. Variable gage R&R does not apply to pass-fail judgments.
How many parts and trials?
A common plan is ten parts, three appraisers and two or three trials. Larger samples give better estimates. Confirm any customer-specified sample size.
Who should own the plan?
Usually the quality or manufacturing engineer responsible for the control plan, with metrology supporting the studies. Assign a named owner for each row.
Netray can help organize MSA evidence and inspection plans from your ERP data, deployed privately.
Related Tools
Gage Bias and Linearity Study Worksheet
Record reference values and average readings across the operating range and see bias at each point as a share of tolerance.
Quality & InspectionGage Stability Study Control Chart Worksheet
Log repeated master readings over time and get subgroup means, ranges and X-bar and R control limits for a stability check.
Quality & InspectionGage Resolution and Distinct Categories (ndc) Calculator
Check whether gage resolution is fine enough for a tolerance and calculate the number of distinct categories from part variation and gage R&R.
Quality & InspectionCalibration Due Date Tracker Worksheet
Track each instrument's interval and days since calibration to see days remaining, percent of interval used and overdue count.
More Quality & Inspection tools
See all- PFMEA Special Characteristics Register Worksheet
- SAP QM Process Capability Cp Cpk Calculator
- SAP QM Lot Rejection Rate, PPM and Sigma Level Calculator
- SAP QM Gauge R&R Study Calculator
- SAP QM Cp and Cpk Capability Calculator
- Job Shop Material Certification Log Worksheet
- Job Shop First Piece Inspection Sign-Off Template
- Job Shop Scrap and Rework Cost Calculator
- Master Data Audit Sample Size Calculator