1: What is AQL?
AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) Sampling is a method widely used to define a production order sample to determine if the entire product order has met the client’s specifications. Based on the sampling data, AQL standard can help the customer can make an informed decision to accept or reject the lot.
2: Benefits Of AQL And Random Sampling
AQL and random sampling have several benefits that have made them a popular choice for managing product quality for most consumer product supply chains. AQL and random sampling:
- Save time as only some units in the lot/shipment are inspected.
- Save cost as the workload is less than a full inspection. Also, the product loss is saved if the inspection includes destructive testing (for example, fabric weight, and welding strength).
- Set clear criteria for acceptance and rejection helps report precise inspection results.
- Give the flexibility to choose different AQLs for different aspects of the same inspection. For example, a larger sample size for product appearance checks and a smaller one for destructive tests.
- Ease the communication of quality expectations within the supply chain.
3: What Are The Types of AQL?
Within the AQL sampling method, there are generally three main AQL levels used, and these include:
- Critical (0% defects)
- Major (2.5% defects)
- Minor (4.0% defects)
Critical defects (0%) are not acceptable at all, as the user could be harmed, major defects (2.5%) represent products being considered unacceptable by the end- user and minor defects (4%) fail to meet specifications in ways that most buyers would still accept.
Generally speaking, the level of accepted defective goods depends on the agreement between the supplier and the buyer, based on the level of risk they decide on. Products that pose more of a health risk will have a lower AQL threshold. Once an AQL Standard is agreed on, it will be used as a reference throughout the inspection process, determining the acceptable percentage for every defect in an order.
4: What Does 2.5 AQL Mean?
AQL 2.5 means the acceptable level of major defective goods is 2.5% of the total order quantity. If the batch produced contains a defect level that exceeds 2.5% defects, then the quality of the product is not living up to the agreement. The AQL 2.5 level is commonly used in the garment industry.
5: What is the AQL type at LAMA?
At LAMA we’re applying the AQL 2.5 level.
For the finished good products, we ensure that all the products will be inspection and follow AQL 2.5 level.
Content by LAMA COMPANY LIMITED