How can you integrate 8d problem solving into your daily work routine?

1 Identify potential problems

One way to use 8d problem solving in your daily work routine is to proactively identify potential problems before they become bigger or affect your customers. You can do this by monitoring your key performance indicators, collecting feedback from your stakeholders, and conducting regular audits or inspections. By spotting the signs of trouble early, you can initiate the 8d process and prevent the problem from escalating or recurring.

2 Define the problem clearly

Another way to use 8d problem solving in your daily work routine is to define the problem clearly and accurately whenever you encounter one. You can do this by using the 5W2H technique, which stands for who, what, when, where, why, how, and how much. By answering these questions, you can specify the scope, impact, and context of the problem, and avoid jumping to conclusions or assumptions. This will help you set a clear goal and criteria for solving the problem.

3 Implement temporary actions

A third way to use 8d problem solving in your daily work routine is to implement temporary actions to contain or mitigate the problem until you find a permanent solution. You can do this by using the PDCA cycle, which stands for plan, do, check, and act. By following this cycle, you can plan what actions to take, execute them, monitor their effectiveness, and adjust them as needed. This will help you reduce the damage or risk caused by the problem and buy you some time to investigate the root cause.

4 Analyze the root cause

A fourth way to use 8d problem solving in your daily work routine is to analyze the root cause of the problem using various tools and techniques. You can do this by using the 5 Whys method, which involves asking why the problem occurred until you reach the underlying cause. You can also use the fishbone diagram, which helps you visualize the possible causes of the problem in terms of categories such as people, process, equipment, environment, and materials. This will help you identify the true source of the problem and avoid treating the symptoms.

5 Choose and verify the solution

A fifth way to use 8d problem solving in your daily work routine is to choose and verify the best solution for the problem based on data and evidence. You can do this by using the SMART criteria, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By applying these criteria, you can ensure that your solution is clear, quantifiable, realistic, aligned with your goals, and timely. You can also use the FMEA tool, which stands for failure mode and effects analysis. By using this tool, you can evaluate the potential failures and risks of your solution and mitigate them accordingly.

6 Implement and validate the solution

A sixth way to use 8d problem solving in your daily work routine is to implement and validate the solution for the problem and measure its results. You can do this by using the DMAIC framework, which stands for define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. By following this framework, you can define the problem and the solution, measure the current and desired performance, analyze the gap and the root cause, improve the process or system, and control the outcome and the variation. This will help you ensure that your solution is effective and sustainable.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?