Root Cause Analysis

 Root Cause Analysis 

 

What is Root Cause Analysis? 

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a problem analysis technique that identifies problems at their origin. Root cause analysis aims to develop appropriate solutions based on the root of the issue. 

 

5 whys 

The 5 whys are a root cause analysis technique of identifying a problem. The 5 whys consist of asking the question “why?” to a problem to be able to identify the root cause of a problem: 

 

Example problem: a client’s delivery was delayed. 

Why? - The delivery was late. 

Why? - The job took longer than expected. 

Why? - There was a shortage of raw materials in stock. 

Why? - The raw materials were all used on a separate project. 

Why? - We couldn’t order new raw materials in time. 

Solution – Allow more time to order more materials or find another supplier who can order on short notice. 

 

This example of the 5 whys technique shows an accurate problem at the root level and provides a solution that will fix it. 

 

Fishbone Analysis 

A fishbone analysis is a technique to identify potential problems in a project. For example, a fishbone diagram can be made to outline the potential risks and problems the project team may face so they can have a pre-planned solution and save time and resources. Here is an example of a fishbone diagram for an IT project: 

 

The root causes are highlighted in yellow at the ends of the fishbones whilst the causes are labelled on them. By looking at this diagram, we can examine various problems that could occur and measure their impact on the project. For example, a server being too hot is a cause and mother nature is the root problem. We could create a solution based on this to eliminate nature affecting the hardware such as air conditioning, ventilation and proper cooling systems. The fish’s head is labelled as the effect. It should represent a broad issue such as “the system does not work”. Fishbone analysis is used to break the problem down into key elements and identify the root causes. 

 

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) 

FMEA is a very basic form of root cause analysis. In fact, everyone does it daily when tackling issues and problems. Failure mode and effects analysis is the technique of thinking all possible scenarios through and the impacts this would have on the end users. FMEA allows businesses to mitigate further issues and problems that could occur down the line by creating solutions to problems noted whilst conducting FMEA. 

 

Event Tree Analysis (ETA) 

ETA is a root cause analysis technique that allows the project team to evaluate the successes and failures of an event before it happens. ETA allows businesses to create appropriate solutions to an event before they happen leading to more understanding of problems that could occur and how to deal with them. This data is illustrated visually in a tree form to show the causes and effects of different problems on the final project. 

 

Pareto Chart 

A pareto chart is a graph which shows a line and bar graph together. This allows analysts to view which areas to look at first to carry out process improvements. A pareto chart shows root causes of improvements that must be made to enhance or increase the effectiveness of a particular sector in the project. 

 

 

Scatter Diagram 

A scatter diagram or scatter plot is a type of chart used to show a trend in various sectors of the project. A scatter diagram is plotted against 2 mathematical values on to a 2D graph. A scatter diagram can also show any anomalies and anomalous trends to find the root cause of problems and improve the necessary areas. 

 

When is root cause analysis used? 

Root cause analysis is used to break down an issue into smaller parts to identify the main cause of the problem. This is called decomposition and is key to developing an effective solution to the problem. Root cause analysis will help businesses to become more efficient and effective when dealing with problems and overall increase productivity, save time and resources and become more stable and knowledgeable when it comes to dealing with further problems. 

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