Process capability: A total quality management tool

Abstract

Recent developments in the assessment of process capability have fostered the principle of continuously monitoring and assessing the ability of a process to meet customer requirements. A procedure is outlined and an example provided illustrating the continuous assessment of process capability and its use as a management tool. The proposed process capability chart contains information regarding the ability of the process to meet or exceed customer requirements over the life of the process. Monitoring the behavior of the process's ability to meet customer requirements provides managers with feedback and evidence of the process's ability in terms they understand.