Measurement is often seen as nonvalue-added work. However, if we properly account for the expected costs involved in passing defects on to customers, then the increased value of the product can be clearly shown. This approach makes it possible to make rational, data-based decisions about when to reduce inspection frequency and how much time and money to spend on metrology.

To put it another way, imagine if we didn’t inspect the product and simply sold it without telling anyone that it hadn’t been inspected. By doing this, we’ve saved the cost of inspection and also reduced the cost of scrap because we won’t reject any of the product if we never inspected it. When we initially stop inspecting, the product would still sell for the same price, and so it might seem that inspection doesn’t add any value.

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