A basic premise of continuous improvement is the belief and understanding that all processes exhibit variation when measured over time. Statistical Process Control is the application of various charts and analytical techniques used to monitor process performance while enhancing the quality of decision making...which is now based on data, not opinions.
Through the use of statistical control charts team members can easily identify if processes are performing predictably (known as in-control) with only common causes of variation present or if unanticipated variation has occurred (known as out-of-control) which is a result of special causes. By identifying the type of variation problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives become much more focused.
