Introduction to

Acceptance Sampling

Presented by:
Chowdhury Jony Moin
ID:0409082120

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
• Acceptance Sampling (AS)

– Statistical quality control technique, where a

random sample is taken from a lot, and upon
the results of the sample taken the lot will
either be rejected or accepted.

– This is also called Lot Acceptance Sampling.

– This is the “middle of the road” approach

between no inspection and 100% inspection.

– This is popularized by Dodge and Romig.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 The main outputs of AS
• Accept Lot
– Ready for customers
• Reject Lot
– Not suitable for customers
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
– Sample and determine if in acceptable limits

Note: Acceptance sampling plans do not improve

quality. The most effective use of acceptance
sampling is as an auditing tool to help ensure that
the output of a process meets requirements.
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance Sampling
vs
Acceptance Quality Control by Harold Dodge in 1969
• Acceptance Sampling
Implemented in the form of specific sampling plan
to indicate the conditions for reject or accept an
inspected lot or batch.
• Acceptance Quality Control
Implemented in the form of Acceptance Quality
Chart to compute specification limits and
observation the standard deviation.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance Sampling
vs
Acceptance Quality Control by Harold Dodge in 1969
• Acceptance Sampling
Example:
Acceptance sampling by Attributes,
Acceptance sampling by Variable.
• Acceptance Quality Control
Example:
Control chart such as p chart, c chart etc.
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
When 100% inspection is not practiced
• When testing is destructive
• When inspection is very costly
• When many similar products are to be inspected.
• When very high efforts required for testing.
• When time & technology limitations are high.
• When the population or lot size is very large &
probability of inspection error is high.
• When the population is geographically scattered
over a large area.
• Supplier’s quality history is good enough to justify
less than 100% inspection.
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Types of Sampling Plan
• There are two major classifications of acceptance plans:
(1) Acceptance sampling by Attributes, in which the presence
or absence of a characteristic in the inspected item is only
taken note of,
• Defectives-product acceptability across range
• Defects-number of defects per unit
• “go no-go” or similar to control chart for attributes
(2) Acceptance sampling by Variable , in which the presence
or absence of a characteristic in the inspected item is
measured on a predetermined scale.
• Usually measured by mean and standard deviation
• Continuous or similar to control chart for variables.
Note: the attribute case is most common for acceptance sampling.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Types of Sampling Plan
• There are varieties of sampling plan and the selection of
plan depends on type of product and production process.
Acceptance
sampling plans

Attribute Variable Special Attribute

sampling sampling sampling

Single Continuous
sampling sampling

Double Chain
sampling sampling

Multiple
sampling Skip-lot
sampling
Sequential
sampling

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
• Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) = Max.
acceptable percentage of defectives defined by
producer. Quality level of a good lot.
This is the poorest quality level of the supplier’s (or
the producer’s) process that the customer to be
consider to be acceptable as a process average.
So the producer would like to design a sampling
plan such that there is a high probability of
accepting a lot that has a defect a level less than
or equal to the AQL.
Example: For apparel manufacturer AQL practiced
1.5%, 2.5% 4%, 6% and so on as per given by
Introduction to Acceptance
customer for particular style.
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
• Lot Tolerance Percent Defective (LTPD) =
Limiting Quality Level (LQL) = Percentage of
defectives that defines consumer’s rejection point.
– Quality level of a bad lot.
This is the poorest quality that a customer is willing to
tolerate in an individual lot.
The LTPD is a designated defect level for a lot
beyond which the lot is unacceptable to the
customer.
The consumer would like the sampling plan to have
a low probability of accepting a lot with a defect
level as high as the LTPD.
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
• Type I Error (Producer’s risk) = The probability of
rejecting a good lot.
• The producer suffers when this occur because a lot
with acceptable quality was rejected.
• This is the probability, for a given sampling plan, of
rejecting a lot that has a defect level less than or
equal to the AQL.
• This happens mainly for sampling error.
• Symbolic expression is α 
• Range from 0.2 to 0.01.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
• Type II Error (Consumer’s risk) =The probability
of accepting a bad lot.
• The consumer suffers when this occur because a
lot with unacceptable quality was accepted.
• This is the probability, for a given sampling plan, of
accepting a lot that has a defect level equal to or
more than the LTPD.
• This happens mainly for sampling error.
• Symbolic expression is β.
• Range from 0.2 to 0.01.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
• Type I Error (Producer’s risk) and
• Type II Error (Consumer’s risk) both sampling
errors.

• Note: In statistics, sampling error is the error caused by

observing a sample instead of the whole population.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
• Type of product to be inspected
There are two types of inspection for the product to
be inspected.
1. Non destructive type of inspection
2. Destructive/expensive type of inspection
• Type of inspection level
There are two types of inspection level.
1. General inspection level (Level I, II. III).
2. Special inspection level (Level S-1, S-2, S-3,S-4)
Note: Here inspection type no. 1 for inspection level no. 1
and no. 2 for 2.
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
Operating Characteristic (OC) Curve:
This curve plots the probability of accepting the lot (Y-
axis) versus the lot fraction or percent defectives (X-
axis).
The OC curve is the
primary tool for
displaying and
investigating the
properties of a
LASP (Lot acceptance
sampling plan).

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
• Operating Characteristic (OC) Curve: cont…..
The properties of a LASP (Lot acceptance sampling
plan) are sample size (n) and acceptance number
(c) which meet the performance requirements
specified by the user.

The performance requirements are AQL, LOL or

LTPD, α and β.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
• Average Outgoing Quality (AOQ):
A common procedure, when sampling and testing
is non-destructive, is to 100% inspect rejected
lots and replace all defectives with good units.
In this case, all rejected lots are made perfect and
the only defects left are those in lots that were
accepted.
AOQ's refer to the long term defect level for this
combined LASP and 100% inspection of
rejected lots process.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
Factors For Designing the Plan
Average Outgoing Quality (AOQ): continue.....

If all lots come in with a defect level of exactly p,

and the OC curve for the chosen (n,c) LASP
indicates a probability pa of accepting such a lot,
over the long run the AOQ can easily be shown
to be:

Where, p = true defects level, N = lot size

n = no. of product/units to be inspected,
c = acceptance number.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Factors For Designing the Plan
Average Sample Number (ASN):
For a single sampling LASP (n,c) we know each and
every lot has a sample of size n taken and inspected
or tested.
For double, multiple and sequential LASP's, the
amount of sampling varies depending on the
number of defects observed.
For any given double, multiple or sequential plan, a
long term ASN can be calculated assuming all lots
come in with a defect level of p.
A plot of the ASN, versus the incoming defect level p,
describes the sampling efficiency
Introduction to Acceptance
of a given LASP
scheme. Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
• Attribute sampling is a statistical process.
• A specific number of units from a lot or batch is
picked up for inspection.
• The units are evaluated either conforming or
non-conforming.
• If the number of non-conforming units is less
than a previously agreed number (known as
acceptance number), then the lot or batch is
accepted.
• Otherwise the lot is rejected.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes

• This process is basically statistically

inferencing, where population characteristics
are judged based on sample characteristics.
• The decision is largely influenced by the
accuracy of the random sampling.
• Any sample error leads to business risk, either
on producer or consumer.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Single sampling plan
• One sample of items is selected at random from a
lot.
• These plans are usually denoted as (n,c) plans for a
sample size n, where the lot is rejected if there are
more than c defectives found by inspection.
• These are the most common (and easiest) plans to
use although not the most efficient in terms of
average number of samples needed.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Single sampling plan
• There are two widely used ways of picking
(n,c):

1. Specify 2 desired points on the OC curve and

solve for the (n,c) that uniquely determines an
OC curve going through these points.

2. Use tables (such as MIL STD 105D) that focus

on either the AQL or the LTPD desired.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Single sampling plan example:
Problem: A company produces a batch of
1000 product. An agreement between the
producer and the customer specifics the
followings:
• Order batch size, N:1000 units,
• Sample size, n:30 units,
• Acceptance number, c: 2
Plot the OC curve for this sampling plan.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Single sampling plan example:
Solution:
For plotting the OC curve we required probability of
acceptance, pa values for different values of fraction
nonconforming (p).
Following the binomial distribution, i is the number of
nonconforming items, which can have a maximum
value of c in order to accept the lot then probability of
acceptance,

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Single sampling plan example:
For fraction nonconforming value , p = 0.01 ►

= P(0 non conforming) + P(1 non conforming) + P(2 non conforming)

= [ 0.7397] + [ 0.22415] + [ 0.03283]

= 0.99668 Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Single sampling plan example:
From the previous slide we get,
For p = 0.01, Pa = 0.99668
Similarly we get
Fraction Probability of
nonconforming (p) acceptance, Pa O C curve
0.01 0.99668 1.2

Probability of acceptance, Pa
0.03 0.93991 1
0.8
0.05 0.81217
0.6
0.07 0.64873 0.4
0.09 0.48551 0.2
0.11 0.34419 0
0.13 0.23295
0.15 0.15139
Fraction nonconforming (p)
0.17 0.09485
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan
• A double sampling plan provides additional cushion to
the producer, as producer’s loss is more serious than
that of a buyer.

• In case the lot is rejected in the first trial, another chance

is given to the producer for inspection in the second trial.

• However, the sample size in the second trial may not be

equal to that in the first trial.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan
Flowchart of the double sampling plan
Sample of size n1 is
drawn

Y
Here:
Is D1≤ c1 ? Accept the lot n1 = Sample size in the first trial
N n2 = Sample size in the second trial
Y c1 = Acceptance number for the first trial
Is D1> c2 ? Reject the lot
c2 = Acceptance number for both trial
N together
Sample of size n2 is D1 = Number of nonconforming units for
drawn the first trial.
Y D2 = Number of nonconforming units for
Is (D1+D2) > c2? Reject the lot the first trial.
N
Accept the lot Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan Procedure:
In the first trial, sample of size n1 is taken and
inspected from the lot or batch of size N.
If the number of nonconforming units(D1) is less
than or equal to acceptance number c1, then the
entire lot is accepted and no second trial.
If D1 is greater than acceptance number c2, then
the entire lot is rejected and no second trial.
If D1 is greater than c1 but less or equal to c2 then
second sample of size n2 is taken.
If D1+D2(nonconforming units for second trial) is
less than or equal c2 then the lot is accepted.

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan
• Suppose:
• N = Lot size to be inspected =3000 units
• n1 = Sample size in the first trial = 40 units
• n2 = Sample size in the second trial = 80 units
• c1 = Acceptance number for the first trial = 1 unit
• c2 = Acceptance number for both trial = 4 units (both
trials together)
• D1 = Number of nonconforming units for the first trial.
• D2 = Number of nonconforming units for the first trial.
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan example
Solution:
If the number of nonconforming units; D1≥ 1, then the
entire lot is accepted and no second trial.
If the number of nonconforming units;D1>4, then the
entire lot is rejected and no second trial.
If the number of nonconforming units; 1>D1≥4 then
second sample of size n2 is taken. Then
If D1+D2(nonconforming units for second trial) is less
than or equal 4 then the lot is accepted.
• If D1+D2(nonconforming units for second trial) is
greater than 4 then the lot is rejected.
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan example
• In order to plot OC curve of the previous problem,
Let,
• Pa1 = Probability of acceptance in the first trial
• Pa11 =Probability of acceptance in the second trial
• P = Total probability of acceptance in the
combined first & second trial = Pa1 + Pa11

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan example
Now the lot is accepted after the first trial if
D1 = 0, or 1 or 2.
Thus for fraction nonconforming value, p = 0.01 ►

= P(0 non conforming) + P(1 non conforming) + P(2 non conforming)

• =0.9925 (by MATHLAB 7.8.0; binocdf(2,40,0.01))

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling
From the previous slide we get,
plan example
For p = 0.01, Pa = 0.9925
Similarly we get O C curve
Fraction Probability of
nonconforming (p) acceptance, Pa
1
1.2

0.01 0.9925 1

1
Probability of acceptance, Pa
0.03 0.8822 0.8

0.05 0.67673 0.6

0.07 0.46252 0.4

0.09 0.28942 0.2

0.11 0.16883 0

0.13 0.0929
0.15 0.0486 Fraction nonconforming (p)

0.17 0.02429 Introduction to Acceptance

Sampling by Moin
Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan example
• If D1 > 4, then the lot is rejected & no
second trial.
• But if D1≤4, then second trial is taken and
hence the probable situations for D1 & D2
for accepting the lot are
• D1=3 & D2 = 0 or,
• D1=3 & D2 = 1 or ,
• D1=4 & D2 = 0
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan example
• So situations for Pa11 =Probability of
acceptance in the second trial are

• For D1=3 & D2 = 0, Pa11 (D1=3,D2=0) or

• For D1=3 & D2 = 1 Pa11 (D1=3,D2=1) or

• For D1=4 & D2 = 0 Pa11 (D1=4,D2=0)

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Here.
Double sampling plan example
Pa11 (D1=3,D2=0)
= binopdf(3,40,0.010) x binopdf(0,80,0.010)
= 0.0068 x 0.4475 = 0.003043
Pa11 (D1=3,D2=1)
= binopdf(3,40,0.010) x binopdf(1,80,0.010)
= 0.002387

Pa11 (D1=4,D2=0)
= binopdf(4,40,0.010) x binopdf(0,80,0.010)
= 0.000285
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
 Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan example
• Thus for p = 0.01►
• Pa11 = 0.003043 +0.002387 +0.000285 =0.005714

• So Pa = Pa1 + Pa11 = 0.9925 + 0.005714 =0.998214

• Similarly we can get Pa for different p .

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan example
Fraction Probability of
nonconforming (p) acceptance Pa1 Probability of acceptance, Pa
0.01 0.9925 0.9983
0.03 0.8822 0.9106
0.05 0.67673 0.6941
0.07 0.46252 0.4679
0.09 0.28942 0.2906
0.11 0.16883 0.169
0.13 0.0929 0.0929
0.15 0.0486 0.0486
0.17 0.02429 0.0243
Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
Acceptance sampling by Attributes
Double sampling plan example 1.2

OC curve for Double Sampling Plan

1
Probability of acceptance, Pa

0.8

0.6 Pa1
Pa

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18

Fraction nonconforming (p)

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin
References:
• Quality Control and Management
By Dr. M. Ahsan Akhter Hasin, Professor, IPE Dept., BUET.

• * M.E. Davis . The retailer’s quality

requirements, Textile Institute and Industry, May
1977.

• * An Introduction to Quality Control for the

Apparel Industry ,By Pradip V. Mehta

• ** Production and Operations Management,

fifth edition, By Everett E. Adam Page-653-654

Introduction to Acceptance
Sampling by Moin