The main difficult but necessary aim is to express the desired optimal state of affairs in the national economy by a single indicator.

A. N. Kolmogorov (1960)

Since the eighties of the 20-th century, the use of capability indices to assess process acceptability has become popular and widespread. Consequently, when compiling this Encyclopedia and Handbook of Process Capability Indices, the authors have consulted a great number of publications (both theoretical and applied) in numerous fields.

The first eight chapters contain an augmented presentation of the "standard" material, for the most part available in recent books and review papers, including those written by the authors. The second part (Chapters 9 16), mainly presents novel results (by the first author) available only in his published papers and technical reports.

Intense international competition is now compelling corporations and firms to manufacture "defect-free" (zero defect) products. It is thus evident that quality serves as an important factor in the success of any business or engineering enterprise. The quality of a product is judged by a number of factors: performance, reliability, durability, etc. and to some extent the reputation of the manufacturer. The best way to achieve superior quality is to follow an effective quality program (where preventative activities are in focus).

Advertising billboards scream on highways and airports of quality product and logos on the sides of enormous vans promise the best quality service. Quality talk is everywhere! However, any overused superlative ultimately ceases to be an effective description of the object under consideration. This...