Which statement is true regarding control charts?

Control charts are essential tools in quality management and statistical process control, used to visualize how a process behaves over time. The primary purpose of a control chart is to display data points in a time-ordered sequence, which allows for the identification of trends, patterns, and variations in a process.

The correct statement highlights that control charts help visualize process stability. By monitoring data points against pre-defined control limits, they enable users to detect variations that could indicate a process is becoming unstable or out of control. This visualization is critical for continuous improvement efforts, as it allows organizations to assess process performance and take corrective actions when necessary.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the purpose or capabilities of control charts. For instance, they do not eliminate all variations; instead, they help differentiate between common cause variations (inherent to the process) and special cause variations (due to external factors). Furthermore, control charts don't predict future variations; rather, they provide insights based on historical data. Their application is not limited to manufacturing processes; they can also be utilized in various industries, including service and healthcare, to monitor and improve processes.