Book excerpt: This book — a result of 30 years of quality-related work experience — was written to aid quality technicians and engineers. It provides the quality professional working in virtually any industry a quick, convenient, and comprehensive guide to properly conducting measurement systems analysis (MSA). The intent of this book is to provide background and examples on the application of gage R&R methodology (test method validation) for variable and attribute data, help for those who work with devices that don’t fit the usual approach, and ideas for measurement devices that require innovation to assess their performance under off-line, static conditions. The ultimate objective is to determine how best to improve the control and performance of a process. The reader is assumed to be familiar with basic control charting methodology since assessment of statistical control of the measurement process is important. One may wonder why performing a gage R&R is so important; the simple answers are profit, public health, and safety. Companies that are shipping product that is out of specification can be subjected to expensive litigation, especially in the aviation, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. This book will be a useful reference when preparing for and taking many of the ASQ quality certification examinations, including the Certified Quality Technician (CQT), Certified Calibration Technician (CCT), Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), and Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE).