Statistical process control (SPC) techniques apply statistical methods to measure and analyze variation in manufacturing processes. SPC uses control charts to distinguish between common cause variation inherent to the process and special cause variation that can be assigned to a specific reason. Control charts monitor process data over time against statistical control limits. Process capability analysis compares process variation to product specifications to determine if the process is capable of meeting specifications. Key metrics like Cp, Cpk and Cpm indices quantify a process's capability relative to the specifications. For a process to have a valid capability analysis, it must meet assumptions of statistical control, normality, sufficient representative data, and independence of measurements.