What does 'process capability' refer to?

Process capability refers to the ability of a process to consistently produce output that meets predetermined specifications or quality requirements. This concept is crucial for quality management as it assesses how well a process can perform relative to its designed capability.

When evaluating process capability, we look at statistical measures, such as control charts and capability indices (like Cp and Cpk), which help determine whether a process is operating within acceptable limits of variation. A capable process assures stakeholders that the outputs will meet quality standards, thereby reducing the risk of defects and increasing customer satisfaction.

The other options focus on different aspects of organizational performance. The efficiency of an employee, the capacity of a production team to meet quotas, and the speed of production line machinery are important metrics, but they do not directly address the specific quality assurance measure that process capability embodies. Process capability is uniquely concerned with the relationship between process performance and quality specifications, making it a fundamental principle in quality management practices.