Why Root Cause Analysis Is Beneficial?

The root cause analysis, it is a method which is used to address a problem or non compliance in order to identify the root cause of the problem. It is used to take some quick corrective actions to address the problem at hand as well as help in taking long term preventive actions to stop the recurrence of unwanted events.

RCA is a simple application of some common sense techniques which identifies the underlying causes and their resolution.

Why we need RCA? Often people respond to problems with short term solutions and while trying to make quick fixes for every problem at hand requires some repeated actions maintaining a status quo. Focusing for quick fixes every time is definitely not a recipe for exceptional results. One has to look beneath the surface to the root of the problem which will lead to the long term preventive solution putting an end to the specific problem forever. RCA gives you the confidence that you have eliminated the problem with a structured approach making sure that you have saved your time and money.

I will try to explain the 5 basic steps highlighted above in the figure 1.0 which helps in completing the RCA for any situation.

5 Basic Steps:

Define the problem, while defining a problem try to use SMART principles i.e. Specific, Measurable, Actions oriented, Realistic and Time constrained. Until unless the problem is not defined correctly it will always prone to failure. This first step will decide that you are going to identify the right cause or not at the end.

Understand the problem, make sure you are using different tools and techniques to understand the problem. It can be done by doing brain storming, formal discussions, informal discussions. Based on domain knowledge you may take help from the domain experts in understanding the problem which will result in gaining the enough information which will help you in setting up the stage.

Immediate action, at this stage you have to decide wisely if needed then implement temporary counter measure at the place of the problem. Also if solution is determined late from the problem source chances are solution will be less effective. So better to take the right action wisely and in time.

Corrective action, determine and prioritize the most probable underlying causes of the problem as the immediate action may not resolve the exact root cause. So taking corrective actions to get rid of the cause of problems is very important but do not mix this with immediate action. Also moving forward taking care of necessary preventive actions which will help you in future in eliminating the recurrence of these causes which creates any problem.

Confirm the solution, after the measures have been implemented then the success must be validated to confirm the quality of the solution. Concerned persons should be in control to validate the success and at least same problem should never happen again. In case if it happens then step 1 and 2 should be again taken into consideration with more details and focus. Confirming the solution honestly is the most important part of this process but often missed which should never be missed.

While performing all these steps ones bias and emotions should be kept aside and focus should only revolve around the problem and its solution which should be timely/long lasting and the top priority.

Also there are multiple tools and techniques available on advance level which you may use to perform the RCA for your next problem at hand.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_5W.htm

https://www.onupkeep.com/learning/maintenance-tools/root-cause-analysis

Pareto analysis

You might want to establish why customers no longer deal with us as a supplier.

Read more: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_01.htm

Fishbone Diagram

Read more: https://gesrepair.com/using-a-fishbone-diagram-to-get-to-the-root-of-maintenance-issues/

Fault Tree Analysis

Read more:https://www.onupkeep.com/learning/maintenance-tools/root-cause-analysis

Root cause analysis is something which we should definitely not ignore while developing new things, maintaining old things or any thing in your life which you think is creating a problem   must be due to some root causes so it is never too late. Once again the key for a successful RCA cycle is you must not bluffed by your cognitive bias.