Problem:
Control charts are graphs that show upper and lower limits for a process an organization wants to control, depicting a graphic presentation of data over time. A control chart can indicate a process is out of control by showing the target line, and plotting actual performance against the line (Render, Stair & Hanna, 2011). When the data falls within the upper and lower control limits and no discernable pattern is present, then the process is in control. If data falls outside of the upper or lower control limit, then process is out of control. Should data plots be near control limit there would also be a need to investigate the situation to determine the cause. In general, the goal is to have the data plots to be as close to the target as possible. Patterns, trends, or erratic behavior causing plots to veer toward the upper of lower limits are cause for concern and should be investigated. A process may be out of control due to machine failure, broken parts, untrained or poor workers, or extenuating circumstances.