Process Capability Analysis for New Product Introduction in Multi-Stage Production Lines: A Literature Review

New product introduction (NPI) in multi-stage manufacturing environments is a critical challenge for modern industry, demanding robust quality assurance, process stability, and the ability to minimize defects and costs from the outset. Process capability analysis (PCA) provides a statistical foundation for evaluating whether production processes can consistently meet specification limits. However, the application of PCA to NPI in multi-stage systems is complex due to variation propagation, data limitations, and process instability. This paper reviews the scholarly literature on PCA in the context of NPI for multi-stage production lines, synthesizing methodologies, key challenges, and best practices. The review highlights the importance of stage-wise capability assessment, the management of variation, the integration of advanced statistical and digital tools, and the need for continuous improvement. Recommendations for practitioners and future research directions are provided.