In quality management, what is typically measured by control charts?

Control charts are a fundamental tool in quality management used to monitor, control, and improve process performance over time. The primary focus of control charts is on process variability, which can be categorized into two types: variables and attributes.

Variables refer to measurable quantities that can take on a range of continuous values, such as length, weight, or temperature. Control charts for variables track changes in these measurable traits, allowing organizations to assess whether a process is stable and in control.

Attributes, on the other hand, involve categorical measurements, which may include yes/no outcomes or pass/fail results. Control charts for attributes help monitor the quality of processes by observing the proportion of defective items or the number of defects per unit.

By using control charts to measure both variables and attributes, organizations can identify trends, shifts, and any discrepancies in their processes that may necessitate corrective actions to maintain consistent quality, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction. Therefore, measuring both variables and attributes with control charts is essential in quality management practices.