Addressing the problem at its core. That sounds simpler than it is. Fortunately, the method of Root Cause Analysis helps with this. In this blog, we’ll tell you more about the purpose of RCA, the reasons to apply RCA, and how to do it in the best way.
How does RCA work?
RCA is a commonly used abbreviation for the problem-solving method Root Cause Analysis. The RCA meaning can be described as a problem-solving method that focuses on the causes of a problem or an undesired event. RCA stands out from other methods by looking at the core (the cause) of the problem rather than the symptoms that eventually arise. Root Cause Analysis is based on the principle that it is more effective to eliminate causes and make corrections than to combat symptoms of the problem. By removing the root of the problem after RCA, you prevent the problem from recurring. RCA can be applied when a problem is experienced or as proactive control. By preventing causes of problems in the future, gradual process improvement is achieved. During the execution of a Root Cause Analysis, several questions are central:
- What exactly is the problem?
- What is the reason this problem has occurred?
- What can be done to prevent recurrence of the problem in the future?
5 times Why
To get to the core of the problem during RCA, you need to keep asking yourself questions to delve deeper into the problem than just the visible symptoms. The 5 times why method is a good way to extend this questioning far enough into RCA. How the 5 times why method supports RCA is as follows: From the defined problem, you ask yourself the question “why?”. On the answer to the question, you repeat the “why” question until you have asked this question five times. This allows you to discover deeper layers of the problem until you get to the core of the problem. So, the 5 times why method actually stands for the passionate ‘questioner’ who always wants to know more. You can therefore easily assign the physical role of the 5 times why to a colleague, who then asks the ‘why’ questions.
How do you apply RCA?
The 5 times why is one of the ways to initiate your improvement process through RCA. You can process the outcome of this method into an overview or diagram. We often see that an Ishikawa diagram is used for this, in which the main causes are processed. With this diagram, you are ultimately led to the main cause (the core) of the problem. In this way, you can use the Ishikawa diagram as an RCA template, which guides you step by step to your goal: problem-solving and process improvement. However, it is important that you answer the 5 times why as specifically as possible to achieve this.
How can EZ Factory support this?
To determine the actual root cause of a problem, you need real-time insight. EZ-GO can support production environments in collecting important data from the shop floor to achieve this. For example, when were certain tasks and checks performed? How was this done and by whom? EZ-GO answers these questions and records data from the shop floor. This way, the root cause of the emerging problem will become clear in no time.