Abstract
Given a fixed sequence of unreliable inspection operations with known costs and inspection error probabilities of two types (classifying good items as defective and vice versa), we develop a model for selecting the set of inspections that should be activated in order to minimize expected total costs (inspection and penalties). We present an efficient branch and bound algorithm for finding the optimal solution, and two variations of a greedy heuristic that can be applied jointly to provide very good solutions at a O(n2) computational complexity. The conclusions are backed by a factorial experiment that included 1440 problem instances.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Raz T and Thomas MU (1983). A method for sequencing inspection activities subject to errors. IIE Trans 15: 12–18.
Raz T and Bricker D (1987). Sequencing of imperfect inspection operations subject to constraints on the quality of accepted and rejected units. Int J Prod Res 25: 809–821.
Raz T and Bricker D (1991). Optimal and heuristic solutions to the variable inspection policy problem. Comput Opl Res 18: 115–123.
Raz T and Bricker D (1993). Sequencing of inspection operations subject to errors. Eur J Opl Res 68: 251–264.
Duffuaa SO and Raouf A . (1990). An optimal sequence in multicharacteristics inspection. J Optim Theory Appl 67: 79–86.
Raouf A, Jain JK and Sathe PT (1983). A cost minimization model for multicharacteristic component inspection. IIE Trans 15: 187–194.
Liou M-J, Sheng-Tseng and Tsong-Ming Lin (1994). Optimal sequence of partial inspections subject to errors. Int J Prod Econ 33: 109–119.
Yum Bong Jin and McDowell ED (1987). Optimal inspection policies in a serial production system including scrap rework and repair: an MILP approach. Int J Prod Res 25: 1451–1464.
Viswanadham N, Sharma Shashi M and Taneja M (1996). Inspection allocation in manufacturing systems using stochastic search techniques. IEEE Trans Systems Man Cybernet — Part A: Systems Humans 26: 222–230.
Shaoxiang C and Lambrecht M (1997). The optimal frequency and sequencing of tests in the inspection of multicharacteristic components. IEEE Trans 29: 1039–1049.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Avinadav, T., Raz, T. Economic optimization in a fixed sequence of unreliable inspections. J Oper Res Soc 54, 605–613 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2601543
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2601543