* Specification Limits: These are the allowable upper and lower limits for a process output. They represent the range within which the product or service must perform to meet customer requirements.
Knowing the specification limits is crucial because process capability is assessed based on how well the process output fits within these limits.
* Cause of Variation: Understanding the sources of variation in the process is essential. Variability can arise from common causes (inherent to the process) or special causes (due to specific events or factors).
Identifying and addressing the causes of variation are critical for improving process capability.
* Optimal Control Limits: While control limits are not directly required for process capability assessment, they play a role in monitoring process stability. Control charts help visualize variation over time and detect any out-of-control conditions. However, control limits are distinct from specification limits used in capability analysis.
:
ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Body of Knowledge (CMQ/OE BoK).
ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Certification Preparation Course.
ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Brochure.
ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Fact Sheet.
ASQ CMQ/OE Certification Insert.1
ASQ Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Certification.2

A Pareto chart is an effective tool for prioritizing and identifying the most significant factors contributing to a problem or situation. In this case, the team's goal is to reduce the number of chemical suppliers. By creating a Pareto chart, the team can visually represent the frequency or impact of each supplier. The chart will help them identify the critical few suppliers (the 20% that contribute to 80% of the issues) and focus their efforts on those suppliers. This approach aligns with the Pareto principle, which states that a small number of factors often account for a large percentage of the total effect. Once the team has identified the key suppliers, they can develop targeted strategies to address the issue and achieve their goal1.
References:
* ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence
* CMQ/OE Body of Knowledge