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Root Cause Analysis- a vital tool for curing quality problems

3/26/2014

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Root cause analysis makes it easier to identify the reason a problem occurred in order to prevent it from reoccurring. It is essential to identify the underlying root cause of the problem, which are controllable through management and open up the possibility to recommendations to be made. Root-cause analysis is also a decision-making tool, very helpful to business leaders to take strategic decisions based on facts.

Root cause analysis requires the collection of data, identification of the root cause, charting of information regarding the cause and suggestions for making changes and implementing them.

There are different methods for root cause analysis and some are better at pinpointing the actual root cause. Different techniques apply to different circumstances. 
 
There are three vital steps in order to perform a root cause analysis. The steps include- 
​
  1. Defining the problem and its affect on goals.
  2. Analyzing the root causes through visual representation via mapping and
  3. Preventing unsatisfactory impacts by choosing the solutions that are effective.

Defining in stage one asks, “What is the problem?” Analyzing in stage two asks, “Why did it happen?” Whilst stage three, or preventing, asks, “What will be done?”
 
A root cause map is constructed during a root cause analysis in order to determine the reason for an incident’s occurrence in a visual manner. It links the various relationships in order to come up with potential causes.  The relationships that are considered are cause and effect types. It is meant to be a simple map, however some situations require much more detailed maps. 

A root cause map begins on the right hand side by stating the problem. The map then involves arrows that point viewers into the direction of causes, which are then asked “Why” for each. Each time the question is asked, the response is added to the right of the respective boxes. The questions continue five times until the root cause of the problem is clearly identifiable. The reason that this works is because it is easy to see when the optimal state of processes has been sacrificed or altered. 
 
The root-cause diagram is also known as Ishikawa Diagram or Fishbone Diagram. It is one of the most commonly used tools for cause-and-effect explanations. Other variations of graphs and diagrams can be used to depict root cause analysis as well.

Brainstorming, ideation and mind-mapping are some of the best ways to come up with solutions once the cause has been determined. Once the analysis is complete, the information should be shared in order for others to understand the root cause of an issue. The root-cause analysis sharing may be done via A3-reporting.



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#RootCauseAnalysis  #IshikawaDiagram  #FishBoneDiagram  #CauseAndEffectAnalysis
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