Acceptance Sampling
Definition:Acceptance sampling is a method used to determine if a batch of products (like shoes, electronics, or documents) is good enough to be accepted or if it should be rejected based on a sample taken from that batch. It involves checking a small part of the whole batch to see how many defects (mistakes or problems) are present. If the number of defects is within an acceptable limit, the entire batch is accepted; if not, it is rejected.
Usage Instructions: - Use "acceptance sampling" when talking about quality control in manufacturing or when evaluating a group of items. - It is often used in industries where it’s impractical to check every single item.
Example:Let’s say a factory produces 1,000 pairs of shoes. Instead of checking each pair, the quality inspector randomly selects 50 pairs and looks for defects. If more than 5 pairs have defects, the whole batch may be rejected based on acceptance sampling.
Advanced Usage: In more complex scenarios, acceptance sampling can involve statistical formulas to determine the acceptable quality level (AQL), which helps businesses understand how many defects are tolerable before rejecting a batch.
Word Variants: - Sample (noun): a small part taken from a larger group for examination. - Defect (noun): a fault or imperfection in a product.
Different Meanings: - Acceptance: the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered. - Sampling: the act of selecting a representative group from a larger population for analysis.
Synonyms: - Quality control testing - Lot acceptance testing
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "acceptance sampling," you might hear phrases like: - "Cut your losses" - meaning to stop investing time or resources in something that isn’t working, which can relate to rejecting a batch that has too many defects. - "Take a sample" - referring to the act of selecting a small part for inspection.