To ensure the quality and consistency of the Ortofon measurement system, a Measurement System Analysis (MSA) is run on a frequent basis.

In order to ensure that the quality of the test system and its performance is in accordance with Ortofon requirements and specifications necessary adjustments and improvements of the test system are consistently implemented.

The MSA is a specially designed experiment targeting to identify the component(s) responsible for producing variables in the measurement.

Like any other industrial technological process, the process of obtaining measurement data may vary, thus some measurement variations may occur. By applying the MSA, Ortofon is able to:

1. evaluate the test method
2. evaluate measuring instrument
3. evaluate the entire process of obtaining measurements

This ensures the integrity of the data applied for quality analysis. Finally Ortofon can understand the implications of measurement errors for the decision making process, whether it concerns product development or test process.

The MSA is an important element of the Six Sigma methodology, which is a Quality Management System.

By using the MSA the efficiency of both equipment, operations, procedures, software and personnel will be analyzed; that affects the assignment of a number to a measurement characteristic.
The MSA comprises of the following:

1. Selection of the correct measurement
2. Assesment of measuring devices
3. Assesment of technological processes
4. Assement of the entire measurement interactions
5. Calculation of measurement uncertainty of the individual measurement devices and/or measurement systems

Factors, that may affect the measurement system, include among others:

1. Equipment: measuring instruments, calibration, head shell etc
2. People related: operators, training, education and skills, care
3. Process: test methods, specifications
4. Samples: materials, items to be tested etc
5. Environment: temperature, humidity, conditioning, pre-conditioning