Reduced Inspection
Meaning ~ A statistical sampling state that reduces the sample size and inspection costs when a supplier consistently meets the agreed acceptance quality limit
Inspection Severity
Meaning
Quality management protocols adjust the stringency and sample size of quality control checks based on historical supplier performance and defect risk. Within acceptance sampling systems, inspection severity moves between normal, tightened, and reduced states according to switching rules defined in standards like ISO 2859-1. This mechanism governs the strictness of lot evaluation, stopping at the boundary where process capabilities demonstrate total statistical control or force total rejection of the supplier.
Operational Level
Standard sampling tables specify different sample sizes and acceptance thresholds for each severity tier. When inspection severity increases to the tightened state, the system requires larger sample sizes or lower defect acceptance numbers to approve a batch. Reduced severity drops the sample size, cutting inspection time when a vendor maintains consistent high quality.
Transition Trigger
Switching rules automatically adjust the inspection regime based on recent lot inspection outcomes. A series of consecutive lot rejections escalates inspection severity from normal to tightened, forcing closer examination of incoming shipments. Conversely, ten consecutive conforming lots allow the buyer to ease inspection parameters and lower testing costs.
Commercial Dispute
Purchase contracts must clearly state which party bears the financial burden of increased testing under elevated strictness levels. Higher inspection severity increases laboratory costs and extends turnaround times, which can trigger shipping delays at factory gates. Failure to pre-define severity transition terms leads to disagreements over chargeback obligations for extended inspection hours.