A capability level 5 process is characterized as an “optimizing process.” An optimizing process is a quantitatively managed (capability level 4) process that is improved based on an understanding of the common causes of variation inherent in the process. The focus of an optimizing process is on continually improving the range of process performance through both incremental and innovative improvements.

Remember that capability levels 2 through 5 use the same terms as generic goals 2 through 5, and a detailed description of these terms appears in the Generic Goals and Generic Practices section on page 75.