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Root Cause Analysis A Step by Step Guide

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a systematic method for identifying and addressing the root causes of problems to prevent recurrence. The process involves understanding the problem, gathering data, analyzing it using tools like Fishbone diagrams and the 5 Whys, and developing corrective actions. Benefits of RCA include improved problem-solving and reduced recurrence, while common mistakes include jumping to conclusions and focusing on symptoms rather than root causes.

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Ahmed Awad
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37 views15 pages

Root Cause Analysis A Step by Step Guide

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a systematic method for identifying and addressing the root causes of problems to prevent recurrence. The process involves understanding the problem, gathering data, analyzing it using tools like Fishbone diagrams and the 5 Whys, and developing corrective actions. Benefits of RCA include improved problem-solving and reduced recurrence, while common mistakes include jumping to conclusions and focusing on symptoms rather than root causes.

Uploaded by

Ahmed Awad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Root Cause Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a structured approach to identify and address the underlying causes of problems or issues. It
helps prevent similar problems from happening again by addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Prepared By Ahmed Adel Awad

QA Compliance Team
Understanding the Problem
What Where When

Clearly define the problem Determine the location or context Establish the timeframe of the
statement. What is the issue or where the problem occurred. problem. When did it happen? Was
event that occurred? Where was the issue? it a one-time event or a recurring
issue?
Gathering Data
Interviews Documents
Conduct interviews with Review relevant documents,
relevant stakeholders to records, and reports to gain
gather their perspectives. insights.

Observations
Observe the process or system in question to identify potential
contributing factors.
Analyzing the Data

Identify Patterns Potential Causes


Look for recurring themes, Explore possible explanations
trends, and correlations in the for the problem based on the
collected data. identified patterns.
RCA Tools
1 2 3

Fishbone 5 Whys Pareto Chart


Diagram
This technique This chart helps
This visual tool involves prioritize causes
helps identify repeatedly by their impact.
potential causes asking "why" to
of a problem. delve deeper
into the root
cause.
Fish Bone Analysis
1 Problem

2 People

3 Processes

4 Environment

5 Materials
Brainstorming
1 Group Discussion
Engage in a collaborative brainstorming session to generate
a wider range of potential causes.

2 Open Mind
Encourage participants to think outside the box and consider
unconventional possibilities.
5 Whys
1 What was the initial problem?

2 What caused that problem?

3 What caused that?

4 What caused that?

What was the root


5 cause?
Developing Corrective
Actions
Identify Root Cause
Determine the fundamental reason that led to the problem.

Propose Solutions
Develop specific actions to address the root cause.

Evaluate Solutions
Assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost of each
proposed solution.
Implementing and
Monitoring
1 Execute the Corrective Actions
Put the chosen solutions into practice.

2 Monitor Progress
Observe how effectively the solutions are working.

3 Adapt as Necessary
Refine the plan based on the monitoring results.
Benefits of RCA
Root cause analysis (RCA) offers significant benefits in problem-
solving and decision-making.

Improved Problem Reduced Recurrence


Solving
Addressing the root cause
RCA identifies the root cause, minimizes the likelihood of the
leading to more effective problem recurring.
solutions.
Common RCA Mistakes
Jumping to Focusing on Lack of Data
Conclusions Symptoms
Insufficient data
Avoid premature Look beyond hinders accurate
conclusions; surface issues to analysis.
thorough identify the root
investigation is cause.
key.
Case Study: 5 Why tools
for Root cause analysis
Let's examine a real-world example illustrating the effective
application of the "5 Whys" technique.

Problem: Leaked Bottles from X product per W/H


Case Study: Fishbone Analysis
Problem: Leaked Bottles from X product per
W/H
Conclusion

1 2
Key Insights Next Steps
Summarize the key findings from the RCA process. Outline the follow-up actions and recommendations.

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