The present invention provides a process and means for identifying opportunities for improvement in assembly line production that overcomes the problem of overlooking opportunities for improvement. Six sigma techniques are used to identify these opportunities. The process includes collecting time data accurately representing operations in an assembly line; conducting a capability analysis of the data collected to identify opportunities for improving operations; identifying changes in operations based on this analysis; and implementing such changes into operations to produce improved assembly line performance. Capability analysis of the data using statistical techniques is a more rigorous and thorough approach than traditional assembly line optimization techniques. The present invention targets opportunities for improvement that would otherwise be overlooked.