Repeatability & Reproducibility Studies

The main goal of R&R studies is to determine which sources of variability contribute the most to the overall process variation and how to decide if the measurement system is acceptable or not. This module discusses how to set up repeatability and reproducibility studies and how to analyse the results with the appropriate statistical methods.

  • Introduction to R&R Studies
    • Scope
    • When Should an R&R Study be Performed?
    • Positioning R&R Studies in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
    • Characterizing the Factors Affecting the Measurement Process: Instrument, Operator, Equipment, etc.
    • Understanding the Notions Involved in R&R Studies: Repeatability, Reproducibility, Stability, Bias, Linearity
    • General Statistical Approach to R&R Studies
  • Implementation of R&R Studies
    • Identifying the Possible Sources of Measurement Variability:
    • The Approach of Statistical Designs
    • Available Statistical Designs
    • Determining the Number of Levels to Use and the Number of Operators
    • Sampling and Sample Size: Understanding the Impact of Sample Size on the Scope of the Results
    • Randomization: Why and How?
    • Application to the R&R Case Study
  • Statistical Analysis of R&R Studies
    • Statistical Methods and Calculation of Repeatability and Reproducibility
    • Interpreting the Results
  • Conclusion
    • Taking a Decision Based on the Accuracy of the Measurement Process based on the R&R Study Results
This module is intended for:
    • Laboratory, production line and quality control staff
    • Anyone wishing to determine the accuracy and precision of gages, instruments and operators in a measurement process
Working knowledge of methods in descriptive statistics and of confidence intervals is required. Participants should have attended Fundamental Tools in Statistics or have a similar background. Furthermore, it is important that attendees possess an excellent knowledge of the analysis of variance technique for crossed and nested designs
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the issues involved in repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) studies
  • Differentiate between the available experimental designs in R&R and to choose between them
  • Learn how to estimate the repeatability and reproducibility in a measurement process
  • Master the available statistical and graphical tools for summarizing and presenting study results
  • Make a decision on the acceptance of the measurement system

Recommended Duration: 1 day(s)

Course Materials:

TBD

Case Studies:

N/A