What is meant by process capability?

Process capability refers to the inherent ability of a process to produce outputs that consistently meet predetermined specifications. This concept is critical in Total Quality Management (TQM) because it directly relates to the quality and reliability of the products or services being delivered.

When assessing process capability, organizations analyze the variability in a process and compare it to the specifications or tolerances defined for the product or service. A capable process will produce a high proportion of outputs within these specifications, thereby ensuring customer satisfaction and minimizing waste due to defects.

This focus on consistency and meeting specifications helps organizations maintain quality standards and improve processes over time. By understanding process capability, teams can identify areas for improvement, reduce variation, and ultimately enhance performance and efficiency.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the meaning of process capability. While cost reduction, speed of operation, and the relationship between input and output are important aspects of process management, they do not directly define what process capability is fundamentally about.