ASTM E2910-12
(Guide)Standard Guide for Preferred Methods for Acceptance of Product
Standard Guide for Preferred Methods for Acceptance of Product
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Procurement practices encourage industry innovation and provide flexibility to achieve the benefits of continuous improvement.
5.2 There is an evolving industrial product quality philosophy that recognizes the need for quality policy changes that will provide producers with opportunities and incentives toward improvement of product quality and cooperative relationships between the producer and the consumer.
5.3 Process controls and statistical control methods are the preferable means of preventing nonconformances, controlling quality, and generating information for improvement. An effective process control system may also be used to provide information to assess the quality of deliverables submitted for acceptance. Producers are encouraged to use process control and statistical control procedures for their internal control and to submit effective process control procedures in lieu of prescribed sampling requirements to the consumer for approval.
5.4 Sampling inspection by itself is an inefficient industrial practice for demonstrating conformance to the requirements of a contract and its technical data package. The application of sampling plans for acceptance involves both consumer and producer risks; and increased sampling is one way of reducing these risks, but it also increases costs. Producers can reduce risks by employing efficient processes with appropriate process controls. To the extent that such practices are employed and are effective, risk is controlled and, consequently, inspection and testing can be reduced.
5.5 The following points provide the basis for this standard:
5.5.1 Producers are required to submit deliverables that conform to requirements and to generate and maintain sufficient evidence of conformance.
5.5.2 Producers are responsible for establishing their own manufacturing and process controls to produce results in accordance with requirements.
5.5.3 Producers are expected to use recognized prevention practices such as...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes lot or batch and continuous sampling plans using MIL-STD-1916 as a basis. It represents an alternative sampling approach to attributes sampling (MIL-STD-105E, same as E2234), variables sampling (MIL-STD-414, E2762), and continuous sampling (MIL-STD-1235B, E2819).
1.2 This guide provides the sampling plans of MIL-STD-1916 in ASTM format for use by ASTM committees and others. It recognizes the continuing usage of MIL-STD-1916 in industries supported by ASTM. Most of the original text in MIL-STD-1916 is preserved in Sections 4-6 of this guide. The original wording of “Government” in MIL-STD-1916 has been changed to “consumer”, and “contractor” has been changed to “producer” to make this standard more generic.
1.3 Purpose—To encourage producers supplying goods and services to its consumers to submit efficient and effective process control (prevention) procedures in place of prescribed sampling requirements. The goal is to support the movement away from an AQL-based inspection (detection) strategy to implementation of an effective prevention-based strategy including a comprehensive quality system, continuous improvement and a partnership with the consumer. The underlying theme is a partnership between consumer and the producer, with the requisite competence of both parties, and a clear mutual benefit from processes capable of consistently high quality products and services. The objective is to create an atmosphere where every noncompliance is an opportunity for corrective action and improvement rather than one where acceptable quality levels are the contractually sufficient goals.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: E2910 − 12 An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Preferred Methods for Acceptance of Product
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2910; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This guide establishes lot or batch and continuous
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
sampling plans using MIL-STD-1916 as a basis. It represents
E2234 Practice for Sampling a Stream of Product by Attri-
an alternative sampling approach to attributes sampling (MIL-
butes Indexed by AQL
STD-105E, same as E2234), variables sampling (MIL-STD-
E2762 Practice for Sampling a Stream of Product by Vari-
414, E2762), and continuous sampling (MIL-STD-1235B,
ables Indexed by AQL
E2819).
E2819 Practice for Single- and Multi-Level Continuous
1.2 This guide provides the sampling plans of MIL-STD-
Sampling of a Stream of Product byAttributes Indexed by
1916 in ASTM format for use by ASTM committees and
AQL
others.ItrecognizesthecontinuingusageofMIL-STD-1916in 3
2.2 Other Standards:
industries supported by ASTM. Most of the original text in
MIL-STD-105E Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
MIL-STD-1916 is preserved in Sections 4-6 of this guide. The
spection by Attributes
originalwordingof“Government”inMIL-STD-1916hasbeen
MIL-STD-1235B Single- and Multi-Level Continuous Sam-
changed to “consumer”, and “contractor” has been changed to
pling for Attributes
“producer” to make this standard more generic.
MIL-STD-1916 DoD Preferred Methods for Acceptance of
Product
1.3 Purpose—To encourage producers supplying goods and
MIL-STD-414 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspec-
services to its consumers to submit efficient and effective
tion by Variables for Percent Defective
process control (prevention) procedures in place of prescribed
sampling requirements. The goal is to support the movement
3. Terminology
away from an AQL-based inspection (detection) strategy to
3.1 Definitions—The terminology defined in Terminology
implementation of an effective prevention-based strategy in-
E456 applies to this guide except as modified below.
cluding a comprehensive quality system, continuous improve-
3.1.1 critical defect, n—a defect that judgment and experi-
ment and a partnership with the consumer. The underlying
ence indicate would result in hazardous or unsafe conditions
theme is a partnership between consumer and the producer,
for individuals using, maintaining, or depending upon the
with the requisite competence of both parties, and a clear
product, or a defect that judgment and experience indicate is
mutual benefit from processes capable of consistently high
likely to prevent performance of the function of a major end
quality products and services. The objective is to create an
item. E2234
atmosphere where every noncompliance is an opportunity for
3.1.2 inspection, n—the process of measuring, examining,
corrective action and improvement rather than one where
testing, or otherwise comparing the unit of product with the
acceptable quality levels are the contractually sufficient goals.
requirements. E2234
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.3 major defect, n—a defect, other than critical, that is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
likely to result in failure, or to reduce materially the usability
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of the unit of product for its intended purpose. E2234
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E11 on Quality and Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Statistics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E11.30 on Statistical the ASTM website.
Quality Control. Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2012. Published February 2013. DOI: 10.1520/ Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
E2910-12. dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2910 − 12
3.1.4 minor defect, n—a defect that is not likely to reduce 3.2.13 quality assurance, n—a planned and systematic pat-
materially the usability of the unit of product for its intended tern of all actions necessary to provide adequate confidence
purpose, or is a departure from established standards having that adequate technical requirements are established; products
little bearing on the effective use or operation of the unit. and services conform to established technical requirements;
E2234 and satisfactory performance is achieved.
3.1.5 non-conforming item, n—an item containing at least
3.2.14 quality audit, n—asystematicexaminationoftheacts
one non-conformity. E2234
and decisions with respect to quality in order to independently
verify or evaluate the operational requirements of the quality
3.1.6 production interval, n—a finite period of production,
program or the specification or contract requirements of the
N items in length. E2819
product or service.
3.1.6.1 Discussion—In this guide, the production interval is
a period of production under continuous sampling assumed to
3.2.15 quality program, n—a program which is developed,
consist of essentially homogeneous quality. It is normally a
planned, and managed to carry out cost effectively all efforts to
shift;itcanbeadayifitisreasonablycertainthatshiftchanges
effect the quality of materials and services from concept
do not affect quality of product, but shall not be longer than a
through validation, full-scale development, production,
day.
deployment, and disposal.
3.1.7 screening, n—100 % inspection where all defective
3.2.16 screening inspection, n—see screening.
units are removed from the production flow. E2819
3.2.17 traceability, n—the ability to trace the history, appli-
3.1.7.1 Discussion—The two terms, screening and 100 %
cation or location of an item or activity, or similar items or
inspection, are used interchangeably in this practice.
activities, by means of recorded identification.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.18 verification level (VL), n—prescribes the level of
3.2.1 acceptance, n—the act of an authorized representative
significance or utility of a characteristic to the user.
of the consumer by which the consumer, for itself or as a agent
3.2.18.1 Discussion—The amount of effort to assure confor-
of another, assumes ownership of existing identified supplied
mance can be allocated on the basis of importance to the user.
tendered or approves specific services rendered as partial or
(Major characteristics will require more verification effort than
complete performance of the contract.
minor characteristics.) VL-VII requires the highest level of
3.2.2 contract quality assurance, n—the various functions,
effort, and the effort decreases as the VL decreases to the
including inspection, performed by the consumer to determine
lowest level, VL-I.
whether a producer has fulfilled the contract obligations
pertaining to quality and quantity.
4. Summary of Practice
3.2.3 contract quality requirements, n—the technical re-
4.1 Acceptance by Producer-Proposed Provisions:
quirements in the contract relating to the quality of the product
4.1.1 General:
or service and those contract clauses prescribing inspection,
and other quality controls incumbent on the producer, to assure
4.1.1.1 This standard, when referenced in the contract or
that the product or service conforms to the contractual require-
product specifications, requires the producer to perform sam-
ments.
pling inspection in accordance with paragraph 4.2 and the
product specification. However, it is recognized that sampling
3.2.4 critical characteristic, n—see critical defect.
inspection alone does not control or improve quality. Product
3.2.5 critical nonconforming unit, n—a unit of product that
quality comes from proper product and process design and
fails to conform to specified requirements for one of more
process control activities. When such activities are effective,
critical characteristics.
sampling inspection is a redundant effort and an unnecessary
3.2.6 major characteristic, n—see major defect.
cost. Producers that have an acceptable quality system and
3.2.7 major nonconforming unit, n—a unit of product that
proven process controls on specific processes are encouraged
fails to conform to specified requirements for one or more
to consider submitting alternate acceptance methods for one or
major characteristics, but conforms to all critical characteris-
more contractually specified characteristics. In addition, pro-
tics.
ducers that have a successful quality system and a history of
successful process controls relevant to the products/services
3.2.8 minor characteristic, n—see minor defect.
being procured in this contract, are encouraged to consider
3.2.9 minor nonconforming unit, n—a unit of product that
submitting a systemic alternate acceptance method for all the
failstoconformtospecifiedrequirementsofoneormoreminor
contractual sampling inspection requirements associated with
characteristics, but conforms to all critical and major charac-
paragraph 4.2.
teristics.
4.1.1.2 Submissions shall describe the alternate acceptance
3.2.10 nonconformance, n—a departure from a specified
methods, the sampling inspection provision to be replaced, and
requirement for any characteristic.
an evaluation of the protection provided by the alternate
3.2.11 nonconforming unit, n—see non-conforming item.
methods as compared with the inspection requirement to be
3.2.12 quality, n—the composite of material attributes in- replaced. The alternate acceptance method shall include evi-
cluding performance features and characteristics of a product dence of process control and capability during production
or service to satisfy a given need. together with adequate criteria, measurement, and evaluation
E2910 − 12
procedures to maintain control of the process. The acceptabil- when the inability to maintain process stability and capability
ity of the alternate acceptance methods is dependent upon the over time becomes apparent.
existence of a quality system, the demonstration of its process
4.2 Acceptance by Tables:
focus, and the availability of objective evidence of effective-
4.2.1 Preferred Sampling Plans—This standard establishes
ness.
three sets of matched sampling plans for the sampling inspec-
4.1.2 Requirements and Procedures:
tion of product submitted to the consumer for acceptance.
4.1.2.1 Producers currently operating quality systems in
These sampling plans provide for inspecting the samples from
accordance with such models as ISO 9000, ANSI/ASQC
lots or batches by attributes or variables measurement and for
Q9004, or others that are deemed satisfactory to the consumer
continuous sampling by attributes measurement. The three sets
representative are qualified to apply for alternate acceptance
of matched sampling plans are indexed by seven specified
methods if demonstration of process focus and objective
verification levels (VL) and five code letters (CL), which are
evidence of effectiveness exists.
determined by the lot or production interval size.The sampling
4.1.2.2 The producer shall include in his request for ap-
plans are matched between corresponding VL and CL combi-
proval of an alternate acceptance method an assessment plan to
nations to result in essentially similar protection. The producer
periodically verify process stability, capability, and other con-
has the option to utilize the type of plan, at the same
ditions under which the alternate acceptance method was
verification level, that best complements the production pro-
developed. The current minimum values of process capability
cess.
are equivalent to a Cpk of 2.00 for critical characteristics, 1.33
4.2.2 Formation and Identification of Lots or Batches—The
for major characteristics, and 1.00 for minor characteristics.
product shall be assembled into identifiable lots, sublots, or
Upon approval of the assessment plan, the producer may
batches,orinsuchothermannerasmaybeprescribed.Eachlot
reduce or eliminate inspection sampling when the plan criteria
or batch shall, as far as practicable, consist of units of product
are met or exceeded.
of a single type, grade, class, size, and composition, manufac-
4.1.3 Submission and Incorporation:
tured under essentially the same conditions, and at essentially
4.1.3.1 Submission—There are two ways of submitting al-
the same time. The lots or batches shall be identified by the
ternate acceptance methods:
producer and shall be kept intact in adequate and suitable
(1) Submission of individual alternate acceptance methods
storage space.Although lot or batch size is not used to select a
for one or more contractually specified sampling inspection
continuous sampling plan, the formation of lots or batches may
requirementsthroughtheconsumerqualityassurancerepresen-
remain desirable for reasons of homogeneity, shipping
tative (QAR) to the procuring contracting officer (PCO) for
convenience, and facilitation of payment.
approvalatanytimeduringthecontractperiodofperformance.
4.2.3 Determination of Sampling Plan—A sampling plan is
(2) Submission of a systemic alternate acceptance method
determined by:
to the PCO prior to contract being awarded. This pre-approval
4.2.3.1 Verification level (VL) as specified,
allows the producer to adopt alternate acceptance methods
4.2.3.2 Type of sampling (attributes, variables, or
throughout the length of the contract. After contract award,
continuous),
submissions of a systemic alternate acceptance method should
4.2.3.3 Lot or production interval size code letter (CL) from
be made through the administrative contracting officer (ACO)
Table 1, and
to the PCO.
4.2.3.4 Switching procedure (normal, tightened, reduced).
4.1.3.2 Incorporation—All approved alternate acceptance
methods shall be incorporated into the producer’s manufactur- 4.2.3.5 For lot acceptance situations (attributes or
ing and quality program plans or other vehicles acceptable to variables), the occurrence of one or more nonconformances
the contracting agency, as applicable. shall result in withholding
...
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