Using Acceptance Sampling to Improve Quality

Don’t ignore data that can be used to collaboratively work with your supplier

How do organizations confirm that supplier products comply with critical quality standards? For the most part, companies rely on inspectors to check incoming materials. Their results are compared with the company’s own quality standards and supplier-generated documents, such as certificates of analysis (COAs). Based on results, inspectors either accept or reject a shipment.

Organizations typically use acceptance sampling procedures as defined by the old MIL STD 105/414 or the more modern sampling procedures from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 or Z1.9. Regardless, acceptance sampling helps minimize inspection costs, manage risk, and prevent off-quality product from entering the production process.

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Comments

Indeed, Sampling to gain Data

I have to agree with the author, and go even further, sampling used for acceptance checks can also gain valuable data on internal processes.

I am currently trying to increase control of some internal processes, and sample inspection is allowing the gathering of sufficient data for analysis without overburdening a small team. This allows me to focus on the correct area's and check on the effect of the decisions.

Acceptance Sampling

Hal Kufahl Managing Director Fluid Power and Controls Co., Ltd. Thuan An, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam hal-kufahl@deltrol.com

Acceptance sampling has its place, it should be used for those suppliers that have not yet been certified and their quality is therefore, an unknown. Deming' idea that this type of activity is non-value added, is true, only after your system has certified the supplier. If at any time inspection data is taken, it should be recorded and data that is recorded needs to be analysis, if it is not, then do not waste time collecting the data.

You only cross your coporate fingers, if the ground work has not been completed and short cuts were used to certify the supplier. The quality system must reach outside your own facility, is it does not, then Recieving Inspection becomes a way of life.