Root cause analysis is a frequent discussion when trying to find the solution to a problem. While trying to fix a problem, sometimes the team takes action to fix it without knowing what the problem is. To avoid that, PDCA gives a structure for the problem-solving process. However, understanding the situation is critical for the success of PDCA, and knowing the root cause is an important piece.
What is root cause analysis and why it is important?
Without identifying the underlying cause, it is impossible to implement corrective actions that prevent a recurrence. Therefore, it is critical to find the root cause and stop fighting with the same situations.
Without identifying the underlying cause, it is impossible to implement corrective actions that prevent a recurrence. Therefore, it is critical to find the root cause and stop fighting with the same situations.
Root cause analysis (RCA) is one of those things that is easier said than done. While it is not complicated, finding the root cause requires patience, attention to detail, and the ability to look at things from different perspectives. RCA is a structured process for identifying the most basic causal factor(s) that, if corrected or removed, will prevent the recurrence of an undesired outcome.
Characteristics of this analysis
It is typical to find a solution when the situation is almost out of control. At this point, patience is out of the picture, and you want to see fast results. RCA requires persistence to keep asking why that happens until finding the end cause. Stop to dig into it before finding the cause, and you will end up working with a symptom or physical cause.
A proximate or physical cause is the source of the symptoms disguised as the problem. The corrective actions to fix this type of cause will not prevent a recurrence.
Always invite affected members of the team to brainstorm ideas. The environment for these conversations is critical for its success. Create a blame-free, safe environment where people can talk honestly. Encourage thinking out of the box and asking why to find buried reasons.
What are root causes?
Root causes are specific basic causes that management has control to fix and develop adequate recommendations to avoid recurrence. For example, human error is not definitive. Why the person errs? There is another uncovered reason, Is the work instruction easy to understand? Is it complete? Is there any distraction that affects performance?
An example of something you cannot control is the weather. Because you cannot control it, it is necessary to keep digging for what reason is hiding behind weather conditions.
One last word about root cause analysis
RCA’s goal is to identify one or two reasons that, if corrected, will reduce recurrence. Tools like fishbone or the 5 Why facilitate this process.
The rule of thumb is that if there are three or more root causes, you can assume the root cause has not yet been found, and you need to investigate more. In summary, keep digging!
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