A tool utilized in statistical process control determines the upper control limit (UCL) and lower control limit (LCL) for a given dataset. These limits establish boundaries within which process variation is considered normal or expected. For example, in manufacturing, these calculated values can indicate whether a production line is operating consistently or experiencing unusual deviations requiring investigation.
Establishing appropriate control limits provides a benchmark for evaluating process stability and predictability. Historically, the determination of such parameters relied on manual calculations, which were time-consuming and prone to error. The advent of automated calculation methods increases efficiency and accuracy, facilitating timely identification and resolution of process-related issues. The implementation of reliable process monitoring is key to improving output quality and reducing costs.