Specifications & Support Information:

Sections:

1. Validation of the algorithm code.
2. How program results compare to standards.
3. Robustness to extreme input data.
4. Warning messages and disallowed input.
5. Product release testing.
6. Usage experience of the software.
7. Year 2000.
   

1  Validation of the algorithm code:

Each program is based on the calculations of a national sampling standard or a published article. That reference was then used to validate the calculation by reproducing the results of the standard.

1A) Sampling Standards:

1B) Books, Articles, and Statistical Tables:

2  How program results compare to standards:

You can verify compliance to a standard yourself by selecting a sampling plan from the standard and entering it into the program as decision rule input (choose the "D" method of input). For example, from Mil-Std-105, choose n,Ac. Or, from Mil-Std-414, choose n,K. This will reproduce the OC Curves that are published in the standard.

Special Note: If you choose the plan for variables (K-method) from Mil-Std-414, TP414 will reproduce the OC curve exactly. If you choose it from ANSI/ASQC Z1.9, there will be a slight difference because of a known error in the graphs in Z1.9. TP414 gives the correct result.

3  Robustness to extreme input data:

For each data input type, extreme values were input to assure robustness of the program code. Subroutines that calculate probability distributions were compared to published tables, covering the range of the tables: binomial, poisson, normal, students t, exponential.

4  Warning messages and disallowed input:

The programs notify the user when he/she inputs values that will produce inaccurate results. Depending on the situation, there may be either warning messages or prohibited input. Most values have this type of internal check.

5  Product release testing:

Each program is thoroughly tested before commercialization, using a sequential sampling plan developed with TP781. The testing strategy used is described on the reliability growth page.

6  Usage experience of the software:

The first commercial program was TP414 sold in 1986. There has not been even one numerical error reported by users -- which is a testimonial to the efficacy of acceptance sampling.

7  Year 2000: