A controlled process is a manufacturing or operational process run under defined conditions so that its inputs, activities, outputs, and records are managed in a consistent way. It commonly includes approved procedures, specified process parameters, trained personnel, identified materials, equipment requirements, inspection points, and documented results.
In industrial and quality-sensitive environments, the term is used for processes where variation, undocumented changes, or missing records could affect product conformity or traceability. Examples include a machining operation with defined feeds and speeds, an assembly step governed by a work instruction, or a special process with controlled temperature, time, or equipment settings.
A controlled process should not be confused with a validated process. A controlled process is managed and documented according to defined requirements. Process validation is a more specific activity used to provide evidence that a process can consistently produce the intended result under defined conditions. The term also differs from process control, which often refers to the technical methods, sensors, software, or statistical tools used to monitor and adjust a process.