Prepare for the CPIM Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Practice this question and more.


What does a control chart display?

  1. The average production rate over time

  2. A graphic comparison of process performance data with control limits

  3. The cost analysis of production

  4. The predicted output vs actual output

The correct answer is: A graphic comparison of process performance data with control limits

A control chart is a statistical tool used to monitor and control a process by displaying data points relative to predefined control limits. It visually represents variations in process performance over time, allowing for the analysis of stability and consistency within the process. The main focus of a control chart is to indicate when a process is operating within acceptable limits and to identify any signals that may suggest the process is going out of control. By plotting individual measurements or averages against the control limits, it becomes possible to discern patterns that may suggest trends, shifts, or other behavior in the process that need attention. Other options, while they touch on various analysis aspects related to production, do not capture the essence of what a control chart specifically represents. For instance, displaying average production rates may provide a trend view, but it does not incorporate the variability analysis that control charts are designed for. Similarly, cost analysis and comparisons of predicted versus actual output serve different objectives within quality and production metrics but are unrelated to the core function of control charts in the context of process control and monitoring.