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Process Capability Analysis

Business analysisQuality management and monitoring

Reference model

Process Capability AnalysisA two-by-two grid. The horizontal axis is Process Performance, from Low to High. The vertical axis is Specification Limits, from Below Limits to Above Limits. The four quadrants are top left: Underperforming; top right: Capable; bottom left: Overperforming; bottom right: Unstable.UnderperformingProcess performance is belowspecification limits.Needs ImprovementCapableProcess performance is withinspecification limits.On TargetOverperformingProcess performance exceedsspecification limits.MonitorUnstableProcess performance is inconsistentand unpredictable.ReviewLowHighPROCESS PERFORMANCEBelow LimitsAbove LimitsSPECIFICATION LIMITS

Process capability is assessed using Cp, Cpk, Pp, and Ppk indices.

About this model

A statistical method used to determine the capability of a process to produce output within specified limits.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • Focus on Cp and Cpk for short-term capability.
  • Use Pp and Ppk for long-term performance assessment.

What this does

Evaluates how well a process can produce output within specified limits, helping to identify areas for improvement and ensuring quality standards are met.

When to use it

Use it when you need to assess the performance of a process against its specifications and identify opportunities for enhancement.

Not when: Do not use it when the process is not stable or when data is insufficient to provide a reliable analysis.

What happens next

Consider a control chart to monitor ongoing process performance.

Use this tool, free

Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.

Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.