Specification limits in quality control are characterized by which of the following?

Specification limits in quality control serve as the benchmark for determining whether a process meets the defined criteria for quality. These limits are established based on customer requirements or industry standards, which creates thresholds that products or services must meet.

The concept of specification limits is integral to ensuring quality because they provide clear guidance on acceptable performance. When a process exceeds these specification limits, it indicates that the process is producing output that does not meet quality standards, allowing for timely corrective actions. This characteristic is essential for maintaining consistent quality and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Other options, while related to quality control, do not capture the defining characteristic of specification limits. For example, while they may have statistical relevance, the primary focus of specification limits is on their role in detecting non-conformance to set requirements. Thus, option B accurately highlights the primary utility of specification limits in a quality control context.