An automatic gaging system is to be installed in a process. The gage will insert data values into a data base from which machine adjustments will be made automatically. A critical factor in specifying the equipment is:

When automated gaging values are fed directly to a database that drives real-time machine adjustments, three conditions must simultaneously be satisfied:
1. A reliable hardware/communication link is needed to transmit every reading without latency or loss.
2. The gage-resident firmware and the plant-level software must exchange data in the same protocols, units, and data structures to avoid corruption or misinterpretation.
3. Manual-override capability is an essential safety and quality requirement; without it, operators cannot intervene if the system produces out-of-control signals or fails. Because all three factors are indispensable to assure data integrity, process control, and operator safety, the only fully correct choice is “all of the above.”

A. Important but alone does not ensure software interoperability or safety overrides.
B. Vital but meaningless if hardware cannot transmit or if operators cannot intervene.
C. Needed for safety, yet ineffective without dependable data transfer and software compatibility.

1. The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Handbook

3rd ed.

ASQ Quality Press

2015

Chap. 5 “Measurement Systems

” pp. 214-215 – lists communication integrity

software compatibility

and manual bypass as concurrent requirements for automated gaging.

2. AIAG Measurement Systems Analysis Manual

4th ed.

2010

§8.4 “Automated Gage Interfaces

” p. 135 – stresses physical link integrity

data-format compatibility

and emergency manual control.

3. NIST Special Publication 1034

“Guidelines for Automated Industrial Gaging

” 2007

§6.2 & §6.4 – identifies communication reliability

software compatibility

and manual override as critical specification items.

4. MIT OpenCourseWare

Course 2.008 “Manufacturing Processes & Systems

” Lecture 18 slides 12-14 – enumerates identical three criteria when integrating in-process automated inspection.