The Use of Measurement Data in CATM

Computer-based information and information flows are among the main means of shortening time to market and raising the total quality level. An effective environment for Computer-Aided Tolerance Management (CATM) is totally dependent on the ability to create and maintain a consistent flow of information between all activities involved in the effort of minimizing the effect of geometrical variation. One specific area that needs to be developed, computerized, and integrated is the use of measurement data. Based on industrial state of the art, this paper discusses and identifies future roles for the inspection process, the users and use of measurement data, and critical factors to achieve an effective and consistent information flow in CATM.