Process variation refers to the differences or fluctuations that can occur in a process over time. Such variations can stem from numerous sources, including equipment inconsistencies, human factors, environmental conditions, or raw material discrepancies. When variation occurs, one significant consequence is the increased likelihood of defects being produced.
Defects are defined as deviations from quality standards that render a product or service unsatisfactory. For instance, if there is a variation in the amount of material used due to inconsistent machine settings, this inconsistency can lead to a product not meeting specifications. As a result, the presence of defects becomes a direct result of the underlying process variation, impacting quality and reliability. This relationship highlights why this answer accurately reflects a conceivable consequence of process variation.
In contrast, while other options like innovation, increased customer satisfaction, or reduction in costs may be desired outcomes, they do not directly stem from process variation itself. Instead, they could be results of controlled and improved processes rather than variations that introduce flaws or inconsistencies.