Step 1: Define the Problem
Step 2: Clarify the Problem
Step 3: Define the Goals
Step 4: Identify Root Cause of the Problem
Step 5: Develop Action Plan
Step 6: Execute Action Plan
Step 7: Evaluate the Results
Step 8: Continuously Improve
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Quality Next to defining a problem accurately, root cause analysis is one of the most important elements of problem-solving in quality management. That’s because if you’re not aiming at the right target, you’ll never be able to eliminate the real problem that’s hurting quality. So which type of root cause analysis tool is the best one to use? Manufacturers have a range of methods at their fingertips, each of which is appropriate for different situations. Below we discuss five common root cause analysis tools, including:
1. Pareto ChartA Pareto chart is a histogram or bar chart combined with a line graph that groups the frequency or cost of different problems to show their relative significance. The bars show frequency in descending order, while the line shows cumulative percentage or total as you move from left to right. The Pareto chart example above is a report from layered process audit software that groups together the top seven categories of failed audit questions for a given facility. Layered process audits (LPAs) allow you to check high-risk processes daily to verify conformance to standards. LPAs identify process variations that cause defects, making Pareto charts a powerful reporting tool for analyzing LPA findings. Pareto charts are one of the seven basic tools of quality described by quality pioneer Joseph Juran. Pareto charts are based on Pareto’s law, also called the 80/20 rule, which says that 20% of inputs drive 80% of results.
2. 5 WhysThe 5 Whys is a method that uses a series of questions to drill down into successive layers of a problem. The basic idea is that each time you ask why, the answer becomes the basis of the next why. It’s a simple tool useful for problems where you don’t need advanced statistics, so you don’t necessarily want to use it for complex problems. One application of this technique is to more deeply analyze the results of a Pareto analysis. Here’s an example of how to use the 5 Whys: Problem: Final assembly time exceeds target
Of course, it may take asking why more than five times to solve the problem—the point is to peel away surface-level issues to get to the root cause.
3. Fishbone DiagramA fishbone diagram sorts possible causes into various categories that branch off from the original problem. Also called a cause-and-effect or Ishakawa diagram, a fishbone diagram may have multiple sub-causes branching off of each identified category.
4. Scatter Plot DiagramA scatter plot or scatter diagram uses pairs of data points to help uncover relationships between variables. A scatter plot is a quantitative method for determining whether two variables are correlated, such as testing potential causes identified in your fishbone diagram. Making a scatter diagram is as simple as plotting your independent variable (or suspected cause) on the x-axis, and your dependent variable (the effect) on the y-axis. If the pattern shows a clear line or curve, you know the variables are correlated and you can proceed to regression or correlation analysis.
5. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a method used during product or process design to explore potential defects or failures. An FMEA chart outlines:
When applied to process analysis, this method is called process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA). Many manufacturers use PFMEA findings to inform questions for process audits, using this problem-solving tool to reduce risk at the source. No matter which tool you use, root cause analysis is just the beginning of the problem-solving process. Once you know the cause, the next step is implementing a solution and conducting regular checks to ensure you’re holding the gain and achieving sustainable continuous improvement.
Paul FosterProduct Manager at EASE Paul is Product Manager at EASE, where he designs products and provides customer onboarding and support. A veteran of the Air Force, he served on the data integrity team and supported technical inspections on B52 bombers and F16 fighter jets. Paul holds a B.A. in Physics from Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo and an MBA from Oklahoma State University. He has a passion for coding and builds Android apps in his spare time. Post navigationWhat are the 5 problem5 Steps to Better Problem-Solving. Step 1: Identify the Problem.. Step 2: Generate potential solutions.. Step 3: Choose one solution.. Step 4: Implement the solution you've chosen.. Step 5: Evaluate results.. Next Steps.. What are the 4 problemDefine the problem. Diagnose the situation so that your focus is on the problem, not just its symptoms. ... . Generate alternative solutions. Postpone the selection of one solution until several problem-solving alternatives have been proposed. ... . Evaluate and select an alternative. ... . Implement and follow up on the solution.. What are the methods of problem8-Step Problem Solving Process. Step 1: Define the Problem. What is the problem? ... . Step 2: Clarify the Problem. ... . Step 3: Define the Goals. ... . Step 4: Identify Root Cause of the Problem. ... . Step 5: Develop Action Plan. ... . Step 6: Execute Action Plan. ... . Step 7: Evaluate the Results. ... . Step 8: Continuously Improve.. What are the methods and procedures for proving and solving problems?Six step guide to help you solve problems. Step 1: Identify and define the problem. State the problem as clearly as possible. ... . Step 2: Generate possible solutions. ... . Step 3: Evaluate alternatives. ... . Step 4: Decide on a solution. ... . Step 5: Implement the solution. ... . Step 6: Evaluate the outcome.. |