What is the primary function of a control chart?

The primary function of a control chart is to show statistical values over time with control limits, which allows for monitoring the stability and performance of a process. Control charts are essential tools in quality control and process management, as they help organizations detect variations in processes that may indicate underlying issues. By utilizing control limits, which are calculated based on historical data, control charts can help distinguish between common cause variation (which is inherent in the process) and special cause variation (which may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed).

This capability is crucial for maintaining quality standards and ensuring consistency in outputs. While other options such as displaying a histogram, providing feedback on worker errors, or recording data in an organized manner may serve different purposes in the context of data analysis and quality management, they do not capture the specific function of a control chart in monitoring process behavior over time against established limits.