Repeatability & Reproducibility

What this topic covers

Separate variation from repeated measurements and variation between people, systems or conditions.

Core testing ideas

Repeatability examines variation under closely matched conditions.

Reproducibility examines variation when relevant conditions differ.

Both help determine whether a measurement system is stable enough for its intended decision.

Measurement and method limits

A result is only meaningful when the characteristic, units, method and acceptance requirement are clear.

Evidence and traceability

Traceability and documentation let later reviewers understand what was tested and with which equipment and method.

Using the result

Inspection plans should focus effort on meaningful characteristics instead of collecting data without a decision path.