What is 5-Why and why does Syntech use it?

The 5 Whys is a problem-solving technique used to determine the root cause of a problem. It is a simple, but effective process that involves asking “why” at least five times until the root cause is identified.

The 5 Whys process can be explained using the following steps:

1. Identify the problem: Start by clearly defining the problem or issue that needs to be addressed. This can be a specific problem or a larger issue affecting the organisation.
2. Ask “why” five times: Begin by asking “why” the problem is occurring. Then, take the answer to that question and ask “why” again, repeating the process at least five times. Each time you ask “why”, you should be probing deeper to uncover the underlying cause of the problem.
3. Analyse the answers: After asking “why” five times, you should have a better understanding of the root cause of the problem. Analyse the answers and look for patterns or common themes that may have contributed to the problem.
4. Develop solutions: Once you have identified the root cause of the problem, develop solutions to address it. These solutions should be focused on the root cause and not just the symptoms.
5. Implement the solutions: After developing solutions, implement them and monitor their effectiveness. It may be necessary to refine the solutions based on feedback and ongoing monitoring.

Our director Stephen Brauner summarises the method. The 5 Whys process is a powerful tool for problem-solving because it forces you to dig deeper and uncover the underlying cause of a problem. By focusing on the root cause, you can develop more effective solutions that address the problem at its source, rather than just treating the symptoms.