Continuous measures

Process measures represent the status of a process. Monitor process measures to determine how the process performs on a daily basis, and before and after process changes.

Often, process measures are most important to monitor because they are leading indicators of the product quality.

For example, the process measures of hot bar temperature, dwell time, and hot bar pressure, are variables that affect the output measure of seal strength.

Output measures represent the quality of a product. Monitor output measures to determine how consistently the product can meet specifications.

Output measures are important to monitor, but are considered lagging indicators of the product quality.

For example, a process produces plastic bags. The seal of the bag requires the seal strength to be between 20 and 32 lbs. Seal strength is an output measure.