Root Cause Analysis Training Certification: Root cause analysis is an approach for identifying the underlying causes of an incident so that the most effective solutions can be identified and implemented.
This very popular management method is practiced by agencies, companies and organizations. It’s typically used when something goes badly, but can also be used when something goes well.
Within an organization, problem-solving, incident investigation, and root cause analysis are all fundamentally connected by three basic questions:
- What’s the problem?
- Why did it happen?
- What will be done to prevent it from happening again?
Root Cause Analysis Teams
To be effective, root cause analysis must be performed systematically. This is why organizations have teams that work together to get to the bottom of problem and then make fix-it recommendations.
A team normally consists of personnel who have direct knowledge of the process being examined and should bring their own knowledge and view of the process and the non-conformance.
Four steps commonly followed, include:
- Identifying the problem – This involves gathering information that answers questions such as: Who discovered the problem? What exactly happened? When was the problem discovered? How often does the problem happen? Where in the process was the problem discovered?
- Employing Tools – These are methods for discovering the root issue. One popular tool is Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), which can identify various modes of failure within a system or process. Another is the Ishikawa or Fishbone Diagram that is useful in determining the most likely causes (MLCs) of a quality problem.
- Devising an Action Plan – Once a root cause has been determined, appropriate counter-measures (corrective measures) should be developed. An action plan should also be developed for implementing “the fix.”
- Developing a Verification Plan – This is evidence that should be collected to verify the effectiveness of the counter-measures or corrective actions.
Organizations with staff skilled in effective problem-solving and root cause analysis have the benefit of providing tangible evidence of cause and effect and solutions to solve real problems as well as developing solutions to problems that are effective and long lasting.
Root cause analysis can be equally effective to find the root cause of a success. If we find the cause of a success or overachievement or early deadline, it’s rarely a bad idea to find out the root cause of why things are going well. This kind of analysis can help prioritize and preemptively protect key factors and we might be able to translate success in one area of business to success in another area.
Want to learn more about Root Cause Analysis? Tonex offers 32 different classes. Learn the fundamentals of Root Cause Analysis or how it applies to a specific field such as engineering or healthcare.
Contact us for more information, questions.