What Does Key Process Output Variable Mean?
A key process output variable (KPOV) is the factor that results as output from a process or some objects such as parts, assemblies or entire systems. Variations in KPOV can result in a significant impact on the performance, efficiency, manufacturability, reliability or assembly of the system or objects being monitored. In short, KPOVs are key characteristics that could have a significant impact on the result of processes, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Techopedia Explains Key Process Output Variable
The KPOV is a measure of effectiveness that is used to increase efficiency, productivity and profit, or customer satisfaction. It is determined in the project, system or material that can be manipulated in order to gain positive results, and then it is kept at a certain level in order to maintain those results. For example, for a publishing company that wants to reduce costs and increase profit margins, one KPOV could be the quality of the paper. The company could try to switch to a cheaper paper with not too much sacrifice in quality and then see how the consumers would react to it. If the reaction is favorable, then it could maintain the use of that paper and increase profits. In this case, the effectiveness of the change in KPOV, i.e., the paper quality, can be measured.
Examples of KPOV:
- Contrast ratio of a display
- Clock speed of a processor
- Loudness-to-distortion ratio of speakers
- Noise output of computer cooling fans
