What does 'defect rate' measure?

The defect rate specifically measures the frequency of defects within a process or the output of production. This metric is critical in Total Quality Management (TQM) as it helps organizations identify how often products fail to meet quality standards. A high defect rate indicates potential issues in the production process that require attention and improvement, while a low defect rate reflects a more efficient process with fewer errors. By focusing on reducing the defect rate, organizations can enhance their overall quality, minimize waste, and improve customer satisfaction.

The other options do not align with the definition of defect rate. For example, the total number of products produced relates to overall production capacity, not quality. The cost of production pertains to the financial aspect of creating products rather than their quality. Employee turnover rate deals with workforce stability and retention, which is unrelated to the measurement of defects in products or processes. Thus, understanding the defect rate is essential for driving quality improvements and operational excellence.