Quality KPIs are key performance indicators used to measure how well products, processes, and quality systems are performing against defined quality objectives. In manufacturing, they commonly track signals such as defects, scrap, rework, yield, nonconformance trends, complaint rates, and corrective action performance.
Quality KPIs are used in production management, quality management systems, MES, ERP, and reporting dashboards to summarize quality performance over time. They may be based on inspection results, test outcomes, NCR records, audit findings, production counts, or customer feedback. Examples include first pass yield, defect rate, cost of poor quality, on-time closure of corrective actions, and supplier quality performance.
A quality KPI is not the same as a raw quality metric. A metric is any measured value, while a KPI is a selected measure tied to a quality objective or management focus. Quality KPIs should also not be confused with compliance status; they can support monitoring and decision-making, but they do not by themselves establish conformity, certification, or audit readiness.