What is a process capability index (Cp)?

The process capability index (Cp) is a quantitative measure that indicates how well a process can produce output that falls within specified limits, which are defined by customer requirements or specifications. It compares the width of the process variation to the width of the specification limits. A higher Cp value indicates that the process is capable of producing items that meet the specifications consistently.

In quality management and Six Sigma, understanding Cp is critical because it helps teams assess whether they need to make improvements to reduce variation in their processes or if their current process is sufficient to meet customer demands. By analyzing the Cp, organizations can ensure that they maintain high levels of quality and efficiency in their processes.

Other options do not pertain to the concept of process capability index. The measure of team communication, employee performance, or project timeline management are all important aspects of business operations but they do not define how effectively a process meets its defined output criteria regarding quality specifications.