Section 3

An important prerequisite for assessing Process Capability is to first establish process stability (i.e. process control). Furthermore, since changes in materials, equipment, people, and the environment are bound to occur, methods are needed to detect such changes which may produce harmful consequences if not detected and addressed. This section focuses on the use of control charts to assess process stability and establish process control.

This section includes details on:

• Constructing control charts for variable data
• Chart signals for special cause variation
• Interpreting chart signals
• Sampling procedures and frequency
• Chart sensitivity and sample size determination
• Control chart selection
• Reaction plans