Baseline Capability Analysis

Definition
Baseline Capability Analysis sets a “baseline” of how a process is currently performing and whether it is meeting customer requirements (specifications).

The process must first be “in control,” that is, predictable and stable. A Control Chart is a helpful tool to determine this. Once the process is in control, a team can do the calculations to determine the baseline Capability Index (see Capability Analysis) and carry out one of the following actions:

• Leave the process alone since it is working well and meeting customer requirements.
• Reduce or eliminate the excessive variation that is causing the process not to meet customer requirements.
• Re-center the process if the variation is within reason but the process is off target.
• Do 2 and 3 above.
• Recalculate the Capability Index after steps 2, 3, or 4 to determine if the changed process is now meeting customer requirements.