Testing vs Inspection vs Measurement

What this topic covers

Distinguish measurement, inspection and test activities without treating the terms as interchangeable.

Core testing ideas

Measurement assigns a value to a quantity using a defined method and instrument.

Inspection evaluates characteristics against specified requirements, sometimes using measurements.

Testing determines characteristics under stated conditions and can be destructive or non-destructive.

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.