Lean Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Problem Solving (PowerPoint PPTX Slide Deck)

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a means to get to the bottom of a problem or unexpected event. RCA is a powerful tool when your project or product is not what was expected.

There are numerous problem solving techniques that fall under RCA. This presentation discusses the following:

•  Fishbone Diagram
•  5 Why Analysis
•  Brainstorming
•  Basic Problem Solving
•  Process Mapping
•  Pareto Analysis

RCA aims at improving the quality of products or processes. This type of problem solving analysis must be undertaken in a systematic way to be effective. The general process for RCA is:

1. Describe the problem your company is looking at.
2. Gather data associated with the problem.
3. Identify potential causes for the problem.
4. Identify which causes you will remove or change in order to prevent repeat problems.
5. Identify solutions that will be effective in preventing repeat problems.
6. Implement changes.
7. Observe changes to ensure that they have effectively eliminated the problem.

This PPT delves into the intricacies of identifying and addressing the root causes of operational inefficiencies. It emphasizes that machine failure is often a symptom rather than the root cause, which typically involves factors like improper maintenance, unclear procedures, and lack of change management. The presentation highlights the importance of a systematic approach to uncover these deeper issues.

The document also provides a historical context for the tools used in RCA, such as the Cause and Effect (C&E) diagram, introduced by Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa in 1943. This tool helps teams focus on the content of the problem, not just the symptoms, and builds consensus around the solutions. The step-by-step guidance on constructing these diagrams ensures that teams can effectively map out and address the root causes of their problems.