These are the questions Compass asks for this practice, and the levels it scores you against.
Identifying which product characteristics are critical to the customer.
Have you formally identified which product dimensions or characteristics are most critical to customer satisfaction?
Level 1 → 5World class at level 4
- No formal identification — we inspect everything or nothing
- Informal understanding based on what customers complain about
- List of key characteristics exists but not formally prioritised
- Documented CTQ list with specification limits per characteristicWorld class
- CTQ tree linked to customer requirements and control plan
Gauge R&R and MSA on every CTQ measurement.
Have you verified that your measurement tools and methods are capable of detecting the variation you are trying to control?
Level 1 → 5World class at level 4
- We use measurement tools without validating them
- Occasional gauge calibration only
- Gauge R&R conducted on some critical measurements
- MSA conducted for all CTQ measurements; results documentedWorld class
- MSA reviewed periodically and whenever measurement process changes
Xbar-R or I-MR charts on critical processes with real-time signals.
How do you use statistical control charts on your production processes?
Level 1 → 5World class at level 4
- No control charts
- Manual measurement with go/no-go gauges only
- Measurements recorded but no control chart analysis
- Control charts (Xbar-R or I-MR) used on some critical processesWorld class
- Real-time SPC on all CTQ characteristics with automatic out-of-control signals
Stop, contain, notify, investigate — defined per CTQ.
When a measurement falls outside control limits, what happens?
Level 1 → 5World class at level 4
- Nothing formal — the operator decides
- The supervisor is called, who decides informally
- Written reaction plan exists but is not always followed
- Defined reaction plan: stop, contain, notify, investigateWorld class
- Automated alert + work instruction displayed at the station; containment logged in system
