After a process capability study, if Cp = 2.0 and Cpk = 1.0, how would you describe the process?

In understanding process capability, it's important to interpret the indices Cp and Cpk accurately. Cp measures the potential capability of a process assuming it is centered within the specification limits, while Cpk accounts for how centered the process distribution is relative to the target values.

In this scenario, a Cp of 2.0 indicates that the process can produce output well within the specification limits, as this value shows that the process has a high potential capability. A Cp of 2.0 suggests that the process variation is much smaller than the width of the specification limits, which is indicative of a highly capable process under ideal conditions.

However, the Cpk value of 1.0 reveals that the process is not centered within those specification limits. A Cpk value of 1.0 indicates that the distance from the process mean to the nearest specification limit is equal to one standard deviation, which means that there is some degree of risk for defects, and the process is not operating at its target.

This combination—high Cp and low Cpk—implies that while the process has the capability to produce parts that would meet specifications, it is currently not aligned with the target mean. Hence, the process is capable in terms of its potential performance but is not operating