What does the acronym Cpk stand for?

Cpk stands for Capability index, which is a key statistical measure used in quality control to determine how well a manufacturing process is performing relative to its specification limits. It assesses the ability of a process to produce output within defined limits and provides insight into process capability.

The Cpk index incorporates both the process mean and the process variability, allowing it to reflect not only how centered the process is relative to the target value but also how much variation there is in the process. A higher Cpk value indicates a more capable process that produces more products within specification limits, thus enhancing quality and reducing waste.

Understanding Cpk is crucial in quality practices, as it helps organizations identify areas for improvement in their processes, ensuring that production meets customer specifications consistently.