How do I determine sample size for a new manufacturing process?

Question

I have a new manufacturing process producing a variety of specific products. Each product has an annual population that varies from 1000 to 100,000 EAU. I want to determine an INITIAL inspection plan to qualify each product. I was thinking something like 30 random samples from each of the first 3 lots. However, I am sure that there is some statistical measure that I could use that would tell me the correct sample size and repetitions for a given confidence level (maybe 95%). Can someone give me the proper formula to use for this?

Answer 1

What you need is a "sampling plan" and there are generally several points to consider before determining the best plan for what you are trying to accomplish within your particular organization.

For starters, try taking a look here..

http://www.samplingplans.com/

This should head you down the right path to what you want.