Optimal sampling techniques in off-line quality control

This paper addresses the problem of quality control for manufacturing environments. The quality control station is placed in an off-line position, i.e. external to the item flow. This layout is mandatory when the station is unable (because of costs and times) to inspect the whole set of items produced. The aim of the present study is to describe and evaluate how the limited capacity of the quality control station affects the efficiency of the connected production system and how the service time of the inspection station may be profitably managed as a further variable of the quality inspection process. Optimal policies for both random and deterministic sampling techniques are determined and compared.