Selection of acceptance sampling plans with multi - attribute defects in computer-aided quality control

A multicriteria quality control model for acceptance sampling is developed which defines several conflicting and non-commensurate objectives. The following objectives are proposed and quantified in this model: (1) to minimize the cost of inspection, (2) to minimize the number of critical defects, (3) to minimize the number of major defects, and (4) to minimize the number of minor defects. The interactive paired comparison method identifies the most desirable sample sizes and acceptance levels for critical, major, and minor defects for a given lot size. At each iteration a small number of alternatives is presented to a decision maker. The decision maker chooses the most favourable alternative by expressing his/her strength of preference for pairs of alternatives. An unknown non-linear utility function of objectives is assumed. The optimal sampling plan is determined using a minimal number of interactions. A computer package is developed and used to determine the optimal sampling plan for an application in the lamp-making industry. The computer package is used to run a variety of experiments.