AQL Sampling Plan for a Distributor in Repacking
TL;DR: If the defect rate is calculated based on weight, should my lot size be determined by weight as well?
I am working on setting up a proper sampling plan for the company, which primarily deals with repacking. The process is currently a bit disorganized, and we lack clear product specifications for both incoming and outgoing goods. Additionally, there is a lot of variety in the fresh produce that comes in and goes out.
To start, I aim to establish a benchmark by applying an AQL sampling plan for inspections (approval/rejection). From there, I plan to adapt the approach based on customer feedback.
However, I’m getting confused with determining the lot size, sampling size, and calculating the defect percentage, possibly due to the variety of goods we handle. Here are some examples:
- 16kg of capsicums, packed into 1 packet.
- 9kg of tomatoes, packed into 2 carton boxes.
- 10kg of spinach, packed into 16 packets.
Example for General Inspection II (2.5% major defect, 4% minor defect):
- I check 1 packet of capsicums,
- I check 2 carton boxes of tomatoes,
- I check 5 packets of spinach.
Now, I’m unsure how to handle the defect percentage when calculating based on weight. For example:
- If 4.5kg of tomatoes has a 2.5% major defect, does that mean the lot is considered defective based on the major defect threshold?
Am I understand this correctly? Then how do i deal with >1 tonne of products?
Thanks in advanced.
use an actual AQL calculator that lets you input your specifics and spits out what you should be sampling based on the info you provide
Yes, how do we determine the lot size and the defect for vegetables?
Example: AQL GI 1, 2.5% major
100 cartons of spinach, 8 cartons inspected. Then reject the whole batch if 1% major defect in 1 carton out of 8 cartons?
OR
100 cartons of spinach = 200kg, 13kg inspected. Then reject the whole batch if 1kg of major defect is found?
Again, the AQL calculator will tell you what the pass/fail limits are based on your specific information
AQL calculators can be adjusted for levels of inspection so, i cannot answer this for you
You should decide it with your product experience. If I was you, I would pick the more difficulty limit to try first.