Importance: assure the quality of a measurement

Why is it important to assure the quality of a measurement?

  • Measurement is a process which checks whether something is correct within a set of specified limits, e.g. a component part of an aircraft engine.
  • A decision on the results is based on whether the device being measured is inside or outside those limits, e.g. to accept or reject the part measured when assembling the engine.
  • Imagine the above component is outside the specified limits but the measuring instrument shows that it is within these limits.
  • The decision taken based on the measurement result is thus to accept the component as good and use it in the engine assembly.
  • One can imagine the risk posed to travellers if above situation happens.
  • Thus, measurements should only be carried out using calibrated measuring instruments.