Acceptance sampling – Principles and Practices
Acceptance sampling is a statistical quality control technique that involves inspecting a random sample of items from a larger batch of products to determine whether the batch meets a predetermined standard of quality. The objective of acceptance sampling is to ensure that the quality of the batch is acceptable by testing a sample of products instead of testing each product.
The principles of acceptance sampling are as follows:
- A representative sample is chosen from the batch to be inspected.
- The sample size and acceptance criteria are determined in advance.
- The sample is inspected according to a predetermined sampling plan.
- The batch is accepted or rejected based on the results of the inspection.
Acceptance sampling is widely used in manufacturing and purchasing to control quality. Some of the practices followed in acceptance sampling are:
Determining the sample size and acceptance criteria based on statistical analysis and the level of risk involved.
Ensuring that the sample is random and representative of the batch being tested.
Inspecting the sample according to a predetermined plan that specifies the number of units to be inspected and the acceptance criteria.
Documenting the results of the inspection and using them to make decisions about accepting or rejecting the batch.
Continuously monitoring the acceptance sampling process to ensure that it remains effective and efficient.
