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Cpk vs Ppk: Who Wins?

May 2014

Your supplier has sent you the process capability charts you requested. The supplier has
produced some very nice charts, obviously generated with some fancy software package – and, of
course, with all those accompanying statistics. You know, things like Cpk, Ppk, sigma level, ppm out
of spec and so on. Very pretty charts. Looks like your supplier is really performing for you. You
note one capability chart that has a Ppk = 1.14 and a Cpk = 2.07. Why are those different? Well, it
doesn’t matter. The Cpk is above 1.33, which is what you asked the supplier for. Time to work on
something else.

You just missed a very important piece of information about your supplier’s performance. Know
what it is?
 Cpk and Ppk are two commonly used measures of process
capability – how well your process is meeting your customer specifications. Software today makes
it easy to plug the data in and generate the results. But, far too often, we simply take the results and
move forward without thinking about what they mean. In this month’s SPC Knowledge Base
publication we take an in-depth look at Cpk and Ppk. What are they? What are they
measuring? What do the values means? Which one should you rely on? Some of the answers may
well surprise you.

In this publication:

 Introduction
 Process Capability Review
 Cpk and Ppk Review
 Within Subgroup Variation vs Overall Variation
 That Little Issue of Statistical Control!
 Two Processes – Same Data, Same Ppk
 Two Processes – Same Data, Different Cpk
 Summary: So, Who Wins: Cpk or Ppk?
 Quick Links

INTRODUCTION

This is the third in a series of SPC Knowledge Base publications on process

capability. Two months ago, we took an interactive look at process capability. We reviewed the
process capability calculations, including Cp and Cpk. You could download an Excel workbook that
let you visually see how changing the average and standard deviation of your process impacts your
process capability. You were able to see visually how the process shifts versus your
specifications. In addition, the workbook showed how Cp, Cpk, the sigma level, and the ppm out of
specification changed as the average and standard deviation changed. If you are new to process
capability, please take a moment to review that publication.
Last month’s publication was entitled “Cpk Alone is Not Sufficient.” In that publication we took a
look at the why a Cpk value by itself is not sufficient to describe the process capability. We went
through a process capability checklist designed to help you paint a true picture of your process
capability – to increase the confidence you, your leadership, and your customers have in your
process capability.

We did not mention Ppk in either publication. Time to change that in this publication.

PROCESS CAPABILITY REVIEW

Process capability analysis answers the question of how well your process meets specifications –
either those set by your customer or your internal specifications. To calculate process capability,
you need three things:

 Process average estimate

 Process standard deviation estimate
 Specification limit

This is true for both Cpk and Ppk. We will assume that our data are normally distributed.

Process capability indices represent a ratio of how far a specification limit is from the average to the
natural variation in the process. The natural variation in the process is taken as being 3 times the
process standard deviation. Figure 1 shows the general set up for determining a process capability
index based on the upper specification limit (USL) with “s” being a measure of the process variation.

Figure 1: Determining a Process Capability Index

The process capability index is then given by:

Process capability index = (USL – Average)/(3s)

To calculate process capability, you need to be able to estimate the process average and the process
standard deviation. And no, it is not as easy as simply doing some calculations. Both of these
statistics have to be “valid.” We explore this more detail below.

CPK AND PPK REVIEW

Both Cpk and Ppk are the minimum of two process indices. The equations for Cpk and Ppk are
shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Cpk and Ppk Equations

The X with double bar over it is the overall average. In the Cpk equations, σ is used to estimate the
process variation. σ is the estimated standard deviation obtained from a range control chart. In the Ppk
equations, s is used to estimate the process variation. s is the calculated standard deviation using all the
data.

Thus, the major difference between Cpk and Ppk is the way the process variation is estimated. So
what is the difference between these two?

WITHIN SUBGROUP VARIATION VS OVERALL

VARIATION

The question of Cpk vs Ppk is really a question of within subgroup variation, σ, vs overall variation,
s. Let’s start with s or the calculated standard deviation, which is given by the equation below.
N is the total number of data points. Look at the summation term under the square root sign. This
term is squaring how far each individual data point is from the overall average, as shown in Figure
2.

Figure 2: Standard Deviation (s)

According to the equation, you add up the squares of those deviations, divide by the total
number of points minus 1 and take the square root. You can view the calculated standard deviation
as the average distance each individual data point is from the overall average. Note that you use all
the data in the calculation. This is why this standard deviation is sometimes called the overall
variation. It accounts for all the variation in the data.

Now we will move to , which is usually referred to as the within subgroup

variation. This estimate of the process standard deviation comes from a range control chart. For
example, suppose you are using an X-R control chart with a subgroup size of five. To form a
subgroup, you take 5 samples. You calculate the average of those 5 samples. This is X and is plotted
on the X chart. You also calculate the range of the subgroup values. The range, R, is the maximum
value in the subgroup minus the minimum value in the subgroup. This is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Within Subgroup Variation ()

R is a measure of the variation within the subgroup. To calculate σ, you use the following equation:

R is the average range and d is a control chart constant that depends on subgroup
2

size. So, σ accounts for the variation within the subgroup. It may or may not account for all the
variation as we will see below.

THAT LITTLE ISSUE OF STATISTICAL CONTROL!

All our publications on process capability have stressed the need for the process to be in statistical
control. How often is this just ignored? Last month we gave the process capability checklist
developed by Dr. Don Wheeler to paint a true picture of your process capability. That checklist had
five items:

1. Plot your data using a control chart to determine if the process is in statistical control
(consistent and predictable)
2. For a process that is in statistical control, construct a histogram with the specifications
added
3. For a process that is in statistical control, calculate the natural variation in the process
data
4. For a process that is in statistical control, calculate Cp and Cpk
5. Combine these four items together and present them all when talking about process
capability

See how often “for a process that is in statistical control” occurs? The point is
that Cpk (and Ppk) have no meaning unless your process is in statistical control. And for the kicker:
if your process is in statistical control, Cpk and Ppk will be very close to being equal. In fact, if you
compare Cpk and Ppk values for a given process, you will find the following to be true:

 If Cpk is approximately equal to Ppk, the process is in statistical control

 If Cpk is significantly different than Ppk, the process is not in statistical control
 So, when you looked at the supplier chart and noticed a big difference between Cpk and Ppk, you
were given a key piece of information. Your supplier’s process is not in statistical control – and you
can’t be sure of what you will get in the future.

In addition, if the process is not in statistical control, Cpk and Ppk have no meaning. You cannot be
sure of getting similar values in the future because the process is not consistent and predictable. We
will explore this further in the following example for two processes with the same data – just in a
different order.

TWO PROCESSES – SAME DATA, SAME PPK

We will use two processes that have the same data (the data from last month’s
publication). Suppose you are taking four samples per hour and forming a subgroup. You want to
determine if your process is capable of meeting specifications (LSL = 65 and USL = 145). The data
for the 30 subgroups for Process 1 are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Process 1 Data

Day X1 X2 X3 X4 Day X1 X2 X3 X4

1 90.2 113.8 111.8 104.4 16 100.8 106 101.5 108.8

2 105.6 98.8 109.3 113.5 17 96.7 101.3 100.4 95.1

3 104 84.5 98.9 97 18 105.1 92 92.5 95

4 112.4 86.2 85.5 106.5 19 104.5 94.5 91.3 82.7

5 96.6 99.9 112.9 96.8 20 110.1 110.7 104 115.6

6 91.7 101.3 107.1 101.2 21 116.9 86.3 96.4 99.3

7 112 97.9 109 95.2 22 78.9 91.4 96.5 109.2

8 91.8 98 98.1 79.2 23 112.2 110.5 98.3 109.2

9 94.9 87.1 104.3 112.7 24 88.8 105.9 86.3 76

10 101.1 104 101.1 102.7 25 98.6 93.5 106.2 92.8

11 100.6 83.3 96.6 88.5 26 99.1 99.6 83.6 106.5

12 80.5 95 98.3 113.6 27 90.5 110 82.6 86

13 89.2 93.9 98.5 106.7 28 106.7 107.9 109.9 108.8

14 96.7 96.8 106.2 90 29 87.4 95 108.5 96.7

15 74.2 104.3 111.2 108.7 30 112.7 78.4 112.8 81.1

 The data for Process 2 are the same, just in a different order. These data are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Process 2 Data

Day X1 X2 X3 X4 Day X1 X2 X3 X4

1 105.6 113.5 107.1 101.2 16 92 92.5 95 96.6

2 112.4 109.3 104 101.3 17 90.5 96.7 82.6 86

3 104.3 112.7 112 100.6 18 101.1 104 101.1 102.7

4 104.3 111.2 108.7 113.6 19 100.8 106 101.5 108.8

5 101.3 100.4 95.1 106.7 20 110.1 110.7 104 115.6

6 105.1 116.9 109.2 110 21 112.2 110.5 112.8 109.2

7 104.5 112.9 105.9 109.9 22 94.5 91.3 82.7 91.7

8 108.5 108.8 106.7 107.9 23 86.3 96.4 99.3 80.5

9 106.5 106.2 106.2 98.8 24 88.8 74.2 86.3 76

10 86.2 85.5 106.5 84.5 25 113.8 111.8 104.4 112.7

11 97.9 109 95.2 98.9 26 98.6 93.5 95 92.8

12 83.3 96.6 88.5 97 27 99.1 99.6 83.6 96.7

13 95 98.3 94.9 99.9 28 78.4 98.3 81.1 87.4

14 89.2 93.9 98.5 96.8 29 78.9 91.4 96.5 90.2

15 96.7 96.8 87.1 90 30 91.8 98 98.1 79.2

Since they are the same, the data in Tables 2 and 3 have the same average and the same standard
deviation.

Average = 98.98

Standard deviation (s) = 9.89

Now draw a histogram for the data in Table 2 and a histogram for the data in Table 3. Throw in the
specifications: LSL = 65 and USL = 145. If you do this, you will discover that the histograms are
exactly the same – just what you expect since the data are the same. Figure 4 shows the histogram.

Figure 4: Histogram of Process Data with Specifications Added

This process looks very good – definitely within the specifications. You are one happy person. You
can calculate Ppk for Process 1 and Process 2. Since the average and standard deviation are the
same, Ppk will be the same for both processes. The calculations are:
So, Ppk = 1.14 for Process 1 and Process 2.

TWO PROCESSES – SAME DATA, DIFFERENT CPK

But wait – what is the value for Cpk for these two processes? Are the same? No, they are not the
same. Remember Cpk is based on the within subgroup variation. And although the data are the
same in both processes, they are in different order – which changes the within subgroup
variation. To calculate the Cpk values, you need to estimate the standard deviation () from the
range chart and the overall process average from the X chart. This is a very important difference
between the Ppk approach and Cpk approach. Ppk simply uses calculations; Cpk uses control charts
to estimate the average and the process variation. It is the way you tell the future about your
process.

The control charts for Process 1 are shown below. The range chart is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Process 1 Range Chart

The range chart is in statistical control. Because it is in control, it is consistent and predictable. You
can now estimate the standard deviation using the following:

Note that since the range chart is in statistical control, the within subgroup variation is consistent
and predictable. The value for the process standard deviation is “valid.” The process that generated
it is consistent and predictable and will remain so as long as the process stays the same.

To calculate Cpk, you need an estimate of the average. That comes from the X control chart. Figure 6
shows this chart.

Figure 6: Process 1 X Chart

The X chart is in statistical control. This means that you have a good ("valid") estimate of the process
average. You can now use that average, along with σ to determine the Cpk values
 .

Now compare the results for Ppk and Cpk for Process 1:

Process 1: Ppk Process 1: Cpk

s = 9.89  = 9.54
Ppu = 1.55 Cpu = 1.61
Ppl = 1.14 Cpl = 1.19
Note how close the results are. This will always be the case when the process is in statistical
control. This is because of the following:

When a process is in statistical control, the within subgroup variation is a good estimate of the
overall process variation, i.e., σ= s.

Cpk is essentially the same as Ppk in this case. They are giving you the same information.

Let’s move on to Process 2. The range chart for Process 2 is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7: Process 2 Range Chart

The range chart is in statistical control – the within subgroup variation is consistent and
predictable. You can now estimate the standard deviation using the following:

Again you need an estimate of the average to determine Cpk. This comes from the X̅ chart, which is
shown in Figure 8

Figure 8: Process 2 X Chart

The X chart is not in statistical control – the between subgroup variation is not consistent and
predictable. There are points beyond the control limits, runs above the averages – all sorts of
problems with the stability of this process.

This means that you do not have a good estimate of the process average. It is moving around. What
will the next subgroup average be? You have no idea where it will be. The process is not consistent
and predictable. You can’t really calculate the Cpk value.

Many times folks just simply ignore this fact and move full steam ahead with calculating Cpk. After
all, the calculated average is 98.98. The Cpk calculations are as follows:

So, Cpk for Process 2 is 2.07. Now compare the results for Process 1 and Process 2.

Processes 1 and 2: Ppk Process 1: Cpk Process 2: Cpk

s = 9.89  = 9.54  = 5.46
Ppu = 1.55 Cpu = 1.61 Cpu = 2.81
Ppl = 1.14 Cpl = 1.19 Cpl = 2.07
The values of Cpu and Cpl for Process 2 are significantly different than the Ppu and Ppl values. And it
all boils down to the issue of statistical control. When there are significant differences in σ vs s, Cpu
vs Cpl and Cpl vs Ppl, it is a very strong indication that the process is not in statistical control.

SUMMARY: SO, WHO WINS: CPK OR PPK?

The reality is that Cpk is a better estimate of the potential of your process. It represents the best
your process can do and that is when the within subgroup variation is essentially the same as the
between subgroup variation. This is what it means to be in statistical control. And if the process is
in statistical control, Cpk is essentially the same as Ppk. So, you really don’t need Ppk in this case.
And if your process is not in statistical control, you have something to work on – Cpk and Ppk are
pretty well meaningless – except for the fact that values of Cpk and Ppk that are widely different are
indications that the process is not in statistical control.

But you know that already because you are following the process capability checklist from Dr.
Wheeler. Always start by looking at the data in control chart format.

QUICK LINKS

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Ordering Information

Thanks so much for reading our publication. We hope you find it informative and useful. Happy
charting and may the data always support your position.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bill McNeese

BPI Consulting, LLC

Connect with Us

 Add new comment

Comments (35)
 Anonymous

o reply
 Hi!!I am a regular reader of all the articles posted on your website and they are really very informative
as well as useful. Thanks a lot for posting.While going through this article i feel it need corrections in
two places:1. We are differentiating standard deviation between Cpk and Ppk with the help of sign s &
sigma. But i have seen in formules we have used these signs but when i see the explanation then in
both cases we are using "s" as symbol for standard deviation. It is creating little confusion while
understading the difference.2. You mentioned above checlist of 5 terms as adviced by Dr. don. In case
of first point it is clearly mentioned that we need to construct the control chart to see if our data is in
statistical control. Now the limits or we can say natural variation is already calculated in this first point
so why are we asked to do same in point number 3 " For a process that is in statistical control,
calculate the natural variation in the process data".Kindly clear these doubts.Thanks again for posting
such a wonderful posts...RegardsAshok Pershad

May 31, 2014

 Bill McNeese

o reply

Hello. Thanks for your comment. Yes, different books/articles/people handle s and
sigma differently - or call them both s as you said. There is not consistency in the
approach. It would be better to use the terms the "within" and "overall" to describe
which one you are talking about. I typcially use "s" for the overall and " " for the within.
The natural variaiton is not the same as the control limits. THe natural variation is
6. The control limits are based on what you are plotting, i.e., the subgroup averages in
the examples in this article.
Best Regards,
Bill

May 31, 2014

 Dnyandeo

o reply

Thanks really helpful. since it is in simple and plain hence carries no confusion. I have been regular
reader of your articles.

Dec 30, 2014

 palash

o reply

hello bill Could you please explain how you calculate UCL and LCL in X-bar chart you shown in your
article. Generally UCL= X-bar+3* sigma and LCL=X-bar-3*sigma. Please explain this!!
Oct 04, 2016

 Bill McNeese

o reply

The controls limts are referred to as three sigma limits, but it is three sigma limits of what
is being plotted. In this case, that is subgroup averages. Plus the value of sigma is
estimated from the average range. We have a two part series on Xbar-R control charts in
the SPC Knowledge Base. The first part is here:
https://www.spcforexcel.com/knowledge/variable-control-charts/xbar-r-cha...
We also have an article that explains where control lmits come from:
https://www.spcforexcel.com/knowledge/control-chart-basics/control-limits
Let me know if these do not answer your questions.
Bill

Oct 04, 2016

 Henry

o reply

What do you suggest is more valuable when the subgroup of the control chart is 1? Is there any value
in estimating sigma from a range chart? or the overall variation is better and consequently Ppk is
more valuable? What are your thoughts?Thank you

Mar 30, 2017

 Bill McNeese

o reply

When individual values are used, the moving range chart is used to estimate sigma. The
moving range chart uses the range between consecutive points. So, sigma estimated
from the average moving range still looks at the variation in individual values. I don't
think it makes a difference if individuals values are used or subgroups are used. I still
find Cpk more valuable because it says what the proess is capable of doing in the short
term. Of course, if in control, Cpk and Ppk will be the same essentially.

Mar 30, 2017

 Samir

o reply

Thank you very much. Good explanation, need just 5 minutes to understand this concept.
Jul 01, 2017

 Ashok

o reply

Hi Bill,You have said that the X bar chart for the process is not stable and the points are not in control
limits, Then how could we rely on cpk value. Because for an inconsistent process it shows the value to
be higher than 2. So how could you conclude that cpk is better and ppk.Dont know whether my
understanding is wrong. please explain. Thanks

Jan 08, 2018

 Bill McNeese

o reply

Hello. The point I am trying to make is that many people just calculate the Cpk value
without considering whether or not the process is in statistical control. This one is
not. So the Cpk value has no meaning - nor does the Ppk value. Since the process is not in
control, you have no idea of what hte results will be in the future. To have meaning, the
process has to be in control. If it is, then Cpk and Ppk will be very close.

Jan 08, 2018

 Brown-China

o reply

Hi Bill,First thanks for your information, it's really useful.I have two questions.1.many people think
PPK is one index that already consider speical cause and common cause ,thus they also think there's no
need to consider if the process is in statistical control or not before caculating PPK.I saw you said if not
in statistical control, CPK and PPK are both meaningless, how do you understand the
difference?2.Whatever the process is in development or after mass production, always caculate CPK
first?

Jan 30, 2018

 Bill McNeese

o reply

If your process does not show some degree of consistency (being in statistical control), it
is impossible to know what the near term future looks. You don't know where the
process will be so, calculating anything on that process (average, Cpk, Ppk, etc.) doesn't
give you any real information because you won't get similar results in the future. If you
have lots of data the impact of special causes can be less when calculating the standard
 deviating but not from estimating it from a range control chart. I would always calculate
Cpk, but you can calculate both. If they are similar, the process is probably in control.

Jan 30, 2018

 bala

o reply

if the Cpk more than Ppk . what does it mean?

Apr 03, 2018

 Bill McNeese

o reply

If there is a large difference between the two, it usually means that the process is not in
statistical control.

Apr 04, 2018

 Steve-o

o reply

Hi Bill, In the equation below figure 5 and again in the equation below figure 7 you use 2.059 for
d2. But there are 30 observations in the sub group for the averages. Why use the d2 for a subset of
4? Was that arbitrary?

Apr 05, 2018

 Bill McNeese

o reply

d2 is a constant based on subgroup size, in this example, 4 since there are four samples
per subgroup. Yes, my choice of 4 was arbitrary for this example.

Apr 06, 2018

 SD

o reply

Excellen material

Apr 25, 2018

  Anonymous

o reply

Hello Bill, Really great article about SPC.! I got one question, the only purpose of calculating PPK seems
to compare with CPK in order to see if the process is in statistical control or not. PPK looks quite
meaningless, doesn't it? There are different articles/opinions that CPK/PPK reprents short/long term
capability of process, how do you think? THANKS!

Jun 21, 2018

 Bill McNeese

o reply

Thanks. Short and long term. Yes i have read those. Usually Cpk is short tand Ppk is
long. It is a matter of how quickly your process changes i image. Only use for Ppk is if
you can't get your process under control ever. But in that case you never know what it
will be next time. So, quite meaningless actually as you say.

Jun 21, 2018

 Adriana Cortes

o reply

I haven't seen tables with d2 for a subgroup of 1 but ussing your logic about the difference between
Cpk and Ppk when the values are shuffled I will think that for both the value will be the same?How do
you calculate cpk for a subgroup of 1?

Jul 18, 2018

 Bill McNeese

o reply

If there are individual values, the average range is the average of the range between
consecutive samples. d2 is 1.128 in that case.

Jul 19, 2018

 Noemi

o reply

I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.

Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do
 it for you? Plz respond as I'm looking to construct my own blog and would
like to know where u got this from. thanks

Oct 05, 2018

 Bill McNeese

o reply

Please email me at bill@spcforexcel.com.

Oct 05, 2018

 Bana

o reply

Hi, My question is how did you get the value of d2 is 2.059? Could you explain?

Oct 03, 2018

 Bill McNeese

o reply

d2 is a control chart constant that depends on subgroup size. For n = 4, the value of d2 is
2.059. For more information, please see this
link: https://www.spcforexcel.com/knowledge/control-chart-basics/control-limits

Oct 04, 2018

 David203

o reply

The example throws me off. I get it that the goal is to be consistent, but in all things process related
error closer to zero is good - or in this case Cpk greater is better. In the second data set the limits pull
in naturally because the data shows higher consistency. While that does produce control charts that
show greater variance from the norm based on the small sample it still exceeds the process
requirements. If a process control chart results in a Cpk increase (bigger is better) why would this
mean the process is out of control? The x-bar hart in data set 2 shows out of range based on the small
set, but the ultimate goal of exceeding expectations is being met. The process should not be
compromised because a subset performed well and had some outliers that still fell into the greater
range. Did I miss something?

Jun 06, 2019

  Bill McNeese

o reply

Hello David,
It is all about consistency. Unless your process is in control you can't predict what it will
make in the future. So even though an 'out of control" process is within specification, it is
not good - for your or your customer probably. Bringing it into control with reduce the
variation and make the process even better. Cpk increasing does not mean that hte
process is out of control. Cpk has no meaning if the process is out of control because you
don't know the average or the variation.

Jun 06, 2019

 David203

o reply

When you say Cpk has no meaning if the process is out of control because
you don't know the average or the variation, I disagree based on your
example. If your Ppk is less than your Cpk you are closer to, not futher from,
your average. And your variation is better than, not worse than, your
established benchmark. This would indicate your process is performing in
control, not out of control. It would indicate you could improve your process
and the data is telling you that you could do better, but that would be a
business decision. It would make no sense at all to start looking for ways to
decrease your Cpk to bring it closer to your Ppk in your process because it is
becoming more consistent. If your example was indicating Cpk dropping
consistenly lower than Ppk then I would agree with this example, but this is
not the case - your example shows Cpk significantly better than Ppk - which
is good and in control.

Jun 13, 2019

 Bill McNeese

o reply

You can, of course, chose not to look for a special call of

variation. You just miss that opporutnity to hopefully find and
remove the reason for the special cause. The purpose of this
article was to say that, if your process is in stastical control, Ppk
and Cpk will the same, as shown in the first example. If they are
signficanlty different, then that is an indication that your
process is not in control - it is not consistent and
 predictable. You can't be sure of getting similar results later in
the process.

Jun 13, 2019

 Pavan

o reply

Hi Sir, Based on the example given, before calculating cPk the data isnt verified for natural distribution.
The data provided is resulting in p value 0.039 (Using Anderson Darling test for Normality must be
greater than 0.05) which denotes data is not following a normal distribution (Considered 120 data
points from example). Now, whether cPk can be calculated for a data which doesnot follow natural
distribution without transforming the data?Please clarify / correct me..Thanks in advance

Jun 10, 2019

 Bill McNeese

o reply

I didn't worry about checking normality because the histogram looks close enough to
me. Also remember that the Anderson-Darling test will give wrong indications for large
data sets - which 120 probably is. If you take the first sample from each subgroup and
run the normal probably plot wtih those 30 points, the p value is .79 - which says it is
normally distributed. For large data sets, rely on the histogram - not the normal
probability plot - to decide about normality - and of course your knowledge of the
process.

Jun 12, 2019

 Ezhilarasan

o reply

HiCan you tell my observation is Right or Wrong? 1. When between subgoup variation is more 1a.
Material batch variation. 1b. Operator variation 3c. May be measurement variation. from one sub
group to another subgroup.With in sub group variation is less wehn Machine give the output
(Standard deviation) range is same.Kindly reply I am right or wrong

Jul 15, 2019

 Bill McNeese

o reply
 I am not sure I understand what you are asking. If the between subgroup variation is
much larger than the within subgroup variation, the control limits will be very tight and
you should look at using a Xbar-mR-R chart.

Jul 17, 2019

 Mark Anderson

o reply

In the automotive manufacturing industry, the standard for when to use Ppk and Cpk differs some.
Maybe you could validate or explain the reasoning for this. In the automotive industry, Ppk is used for
initial process studies and is based off a single run. Cpk is used to determine capaibility over multiple
runs. My understanding of this is because Ppk is a measure of process performance, and Cpk is a
measure of process capability. And until you introduce all the different sources of variation such as
component lot to lot, operator, changeover... etc, you cannot say the process is stable or capable. And
this needs to be done over multiple runs. From a single run you can only analyze the current
performance. And that is why for initial process studies with a single run, Ppk is used to evalauate the
performance of the process and determine whether it meets the expectations.

Aug 28, 2019

 Bill McNeese

o reply

Thanks for the insights. I agree with what you say. A true process capabilty study has to
have the potential sources of variation present.

Aug 29, 2019

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Process Capability

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