Optimum rectifying inspection plans

The rectifying inspection plan is a useful tool in statistical quality control (SQC) to assure the average product quality between several stages of a production line. Two optimum rectifying inspection plans are presented. They minimize either ATI (average total inspection) or AOQ (average outgoing quality) and use the other as a constraint. The definitions for both ATI and AOQ are generalized to handle the varying fraction defective of the incoming lots. A comprehensive study is conducted to compare the performance characteristics of the optimum rectifying inspection plans with several other plans. The results show that the optimum plans usually produce the best outcome and always satisfy the design specifications. Moreover, the results of a sensitivity study indicate that the optimum plans are fairly robust. Finally, a manufacturing example illustrates the applications and the managerial significance of the optimum rectifying inspection plans.