Understanding Test Results
As you enter test results, the system processes them to determine whether the results that you collected pass the tests that you defined. The system compares the test results with minimum and maximum values. It then sets the value in the Pass/Fail field accordingly for each test, based on the value that you defined for the test using the Display/Evaluate Test field on the Test Definition Revisions form.
The system evaluates each individual sample, and it evaluates the status of the entire set of tests in order to determine lot status. As the system evaluates the lot, it reads a test and retrieves the value in the Display/Evaluate Test field to determine how to evaluate that test.
These are values for the Display/Evaluate Test field:
Field Value |
Description |
|---|---|
1 |
All Samples. All samples must pass, unless you have defined an accept quantity or accept percentage that is less than the total number of samples. If the Accept Quantity and Accept Percentage fields are blank, the system assumes all samples of the test must pass in order for the test to pass. For testing that occurs for government regulated materials, you might expect that all samples must pass certain minimum criteria. You can use the optional Accept Quantity and Accept Percentage fields only when the value 1 appears in the Display/Evaluate Test field. |
2 |
Average of All Samples. The system adds all sample results for the test and calculates an average. The average value must be within the minimum and maximum values that you defined for the test. Otherwise, the entire test fails. You might use this evaluation method for a manufacturing process in which a certain percentage of nonconforming materials is standard, such as circuit board production. |
3 |
Last Occurrence. The system retrieves the last sample that you entered for the test and determines whether that sample passed. If so, the entire test passes. You might use this evaluation method for a manufacturing process in which ingredients are added to a mixture over time and quality sampling occurs in a similar fashion. If the last sample of the mixture is within tolerances, the product can be shipped. |
The evaluation process uses the value that you enter in the Accept Quantity field on the Test Definition Revisions form as the number of samples that must pass a test. For example, suppose that you have four samples of the color test and you enter 2 in the Accept Quantity field. In this case, only two color samples must pass in order for color to pass quality inspection for a test.
The evaluation process uses the value that you enter in the Accept Percentage field on the Test Definition Revisions form as the percentage of samples that must pass within a test. For example, suppose that you have 10 samples of the color test and you enter 50 in the Accept Percentage field. In this case, only five color samples must pass in order for color to pass quality inspection for a test.
When all of the tests within a lot have a passing value, the system sets the lot status to the value that you entered in the Status for a Passing Lot processing option for the Enter Test Results program (P3711).
When any test within a lot fails (based on all samples, average, or last occurrence), the system sets the lot status to the value that you defined in the Status for a Failed Lot processing option for the Enter Test Results program. All failed test results appear highlighted on forms with test results, including the Test Results Revisions and all inquiry forms.
You should secure the test status function so that all users can review the status, but only users with proper authority can change the status.