Which one of the following processes has a Cpk value that is less than Cp?

In the context of process capability indices, Cpk and Cp are crucial metrics used to assess how well a process is performing in terms of its specifications. Cp (Process Capability) measures the potential capability of a process by considering the width of the process's distribution relative to the width of the specification limits. It assumes that the process is centered between the specification limits. In contrast, Cpk (Process Capability Index) not only considers the spread of the process but also how centered the process is within those limits.

When a process has a Cpk value that is less than its Cp value, it indicates that the process is not centered well. This means there is a greater chance of producing output that falls outside of the specification limits, thus reflecting a higher level of risk for defects. This typically occurs in scenarios where there is a shift in the mean of the process away from the target value, leading to a reduction in the effective capability, or Cpk, because Cpk takes this shift into account.

When looking at the diagrams, the one corresponding to a Cpk value less than Cp would show the process distribution skewed toward one side of the specification limits, indicating that while the process has the potential to meet specifications (as signified by Cp), it