Gaging
Gage tracking (also written gauge tracking) is a quality control practice used in manufacturing and operations to monitor, manage, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurement instruments (gages) over time.
What It Means
Gage tracking is the process of:
- Identifying all measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, pressure gages, temperature sensors, etc.)
- Recording their status
- Scheduling and documenting calibration, verification, maintenance, and repair
Why It’s Important
Accurate measurements are critical for:
- Product quality
- Process control
- Regulatory and customer compliance (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, FDA, aerospace standards)
- Reducing scrap, rework, and customer complaints
What Is Typically Tracked
- Gage ID / Serial Number
- Location and owner
- Calibration interval
- Last and next calibration dates
- Calibration results (pass/fail, as-found/as-left)
- Standards used for calibration
- Measurement range and accuracy
- Status (in use, out of service, under calibration)
Example
A caliper used on a production line:
- Has a unique ID
- Is calibrated every 6 months
- Is labeled with a calibration sticker showing the due date
- Is removed from service if overdue or failed calibration