Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

A key function of statistical process control charts is to:

1. Identify legal compliance

2. Forecast future market trends

3. Signal when a process is no longer in control

4. Manage inventory levels

The correct answer is: Signal when a process is no longer in control

A key function of statistical process control charts is to signal when a process is no longer in control. These charts are used to monitor the performance of a process over time by displaying data points in a time-ordered sequence. They include control limits, which represent the expected range of variation in the process when it is operating normally. When data points fall outside of these control limits or display a nonrandom pattern, it indicates that the process may be affected by special causes of variation, signaling that corrective actions may be needed. This tool is fundamental in quality control and process improvement, as it allows organizations to identify deviations from standard operating conditions before they result in defects or other issues. By highlighting these variations, control charts help maintain consistent and predictable process performance, which is essential for operational efficiency and quality assurance. Other options such as identifying legal compliance, forecasting future market trends, or managing inventory levels do not directly relate to the specific function of monitoring and maintaining process control, which is the primary role of statistical process control charts.