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This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Hi All,

Posting here regarding a sample size conundrum that I am facing. My company is looking to do simulated handling & distribution testing on a new packaging configuration. The magic number for sample sizes that is widely accepted throughout my company seems to be n=59. The intended conditioning standard for testing is ASTM D7386-16 as the product is shipped via a single parcel distribution environment. The question is, should this sample size apply to 59 individual unit cartons, or is does it make more sense to test 59 individual corrugated shippers? If we decide to do 59 individual cartons, that amounts to 2 corrugated shippers. 

Is there one configuration that is widely accepted industry-wise? 

Thank you so much!

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This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Dear anonymous, that depends on your industry, sample size, design requirements, risk thresholds, etc. Is this an FDA regulated product involving higher risk levels? Sounds like that could be the case. That isn't stated in your question. Too general to answer. It could also be different depending upon the packaging component involved in the product design. Industry wide isn't generally stating anything is your problem statement, there are many industries that use packaging components.

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Hello Anonymous,

Great question! While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, the fact that you're using n=59, a sample size that supports 95 percent confidence / 95 percent reliability in the life sciences sector, leads me to assume that is your industry.

In our experience, companies sometimes test the number of shippers and sometimes the number of samples. However, more often that "magic number" refers to unit-level samples, such as pouches, trays, or blister packs, rather than the number of corrugated shippers undergoing distribution simulation.

There are always nuances depending on industry, risk level, justifications, and your real-world distribution conditions. I work for WESTPAK, one of the most trusted names in packaging validation, and would be happy to talk through your specific scenario and what we have seen most often in our 38 years in the industry. 

Feel free to reach out to me directly if that would be helpful.

Best,

Chris

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Chris Alfred
Account Executive
Westpak
San Diego CA
19703313417
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