ISO 7870-3-2020 PDF

Full title and description

Control charts — Part 3: Acceptance control charts. This International Standard provides guidance on the use of acceptance control charts and establishes procedures for determining sample sizes, action limits and decision criteria for acceptance-based control charting methods.

Abstract

This document gives guidance on the uses of acceptance control charts and establishes general procedures for determining sample sizes, action limits and decision criteria. It specifies the conditions under which an acceptance control chart should be used (for example, when within‑subgroup variation is in control and process capability is high) and includes examples and calculation procedures illustrating determination of sample size, action limits and decision criteria.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: May 2020
• Publisher: ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
• ICS / categories: 03.120.30 — Application of statistical methods
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (ISO 7870-3:2020)
• Number of pages: 21

Scope

Gives guidance on the uses of acceptance control charts and establishes general procedures for determining sample sizes, action limits and decision criteria. The standard is intended for situations where within‑subgroup variation is in control and estimated efficiently and where a high level of process capability has been achieved; although formulated for normally distributed process variables, the methods can be applied to some non‑normal situations. Examples and calculation procedures are included to illustrate typical applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and purpose of acceptance control charts.
• Conditions for appropriate use (in‑control within‑subgroup variation; high process capability).
• Procedures to determine required sample sizes for acceptance monitoring.
• Calculation of action limits and decision criteria for acceptance charts.
• Worked examples illustrating limit determination and decision rules.
• Discussion of modifications and factors affecting acceptance control limits.

Typical use and users

Used by quality engineers, process control specialists, statisticians, and manufacturing or laboratory personnel implementing statistical process control (SPC) where acceptance-based monitoring is appropriate. Typical applications include final acceptance monitoring of high‑capability processes, product quality assurance, and situations where sample‑by‑sample acceptance decisions are required.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 7870 series on control charts. Relevant related parts include ISO 7870‑1 (General guidelines), ISO 7870‑2 (Shewhart control charts), ISO 7870‑4 (Cumulative sum charts) and ISO 7870‑5 (Specialized control charts). ISO 7870‑3:2020 replaces ISO 7870‑3:2012 (withdrawn). The series is maintained by ISO/TC 69/SC 4 (Applications of statistical methods).

Keywords

acceptance control chart, statistical process control, SPC, action limits, sample size, decision criteria, process capability, control charts, ISO 7870

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 7870‑3:2020 is the International Standard that defines and gives guidance on acceptance control charts — charts used to make acceptance decisions based on sampled subgroup results and pre‑defined action limits.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers when to use acceptance control charts, how to determine sample sizes, how to calculate action limits and decision criteria, worked examples, and considerations for modified acceptance chart forms.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Quality and process engineers, statisticians, auditors and technical staff responsible for implementing SPC or acceptance monitoring in manufacturing, laboratories and service operations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 7870‑3:2020 is the current edition published in May 2020; it supersedes and replaces ISO 7870‑3:2012 (withdrawn).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the ISO 7870 series on control charts (other parts address general guidelines, Shewhart charts, cumulative sum charts and specialized charts). The series is maintained by ISO/TC 69/SC 4.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Acceptance control chart, acceptance sampling by charting, action limits, sample size calculation, decision rules, process capability, SPC, ISO 7870.