Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a structured technique used to identify the underlying cause of problems. It involves defining the problem, finding the cause, and charting a solution. The process typically includes determining what happened, why it happened, and what can be done to prevent reoccurrence. RCA aims to address the real cause of problems rather than just the symptoms. One common technique in RCA is the "5 Whys" method, which involves repeatedly asking "Why?" until the root cause is identified. RCA benefits organizations by helping improve processes, create lasting solutions, and develop a roadmap for thorough understanding. However, its limitations include assuming a single source of problems when in reality issues can have multiple interconnected causes.

1. Root Cause Analysis
(RCA)
Subhakar Rao Surapaneni

2. What is RCA?
Root Cause Analysis is a structured step-by-step
technique that drills on any problem to extract its real
cause. It is a widely employed technique in corporate
houses to find the exact cause of any loophole in their
process.
• It ascertain and analyze the causes of problems
and chart out solutions to prevent problems from
further occurrence.
• It is a process to help stakeholders to
understand the causes of a problem well enough
to achieve permanent solution of that problem.

3. THE PROCESS
A root cause is one of the
most basic, or many causes
underlying a redundant
problem.
Basically, RCA involve the following steps:
• What Happened?
• Why it happened?
• What it can be done to prevent re-occurrence of the problem?
RCA attempts to treat the real
cause/causes of a problem, rather
than just dealing with the symptoms
of a problem.
Define the
Problem
Find the
Cause of
the problem
Chart
Solution for
the problem

4. 5 WHY
Supplier Name Part Number DUNs/Location Product/Process Name Date of Occurrence
Problem Definition:
(who,what, when where and
how)
3 Legged 5 Why
Why:
Why:
Why:(The root cause of non conformance)
Why:
Whyproblemwasnotdetected?
Corrective Actions / Owner / Target Date
Why:
Problem Description:
Explain why the problem occurred:
Howproblemwascreated
Picture of Current State
Describe the Lessons
Learned for this problem:
(the lessons learned should
be easily understood and
stated clearly for the other
locations to be able to read,
understand, and apply)
WhatistheSystemicrootcause?
Why:
Problem Description:
Supplier contact names: List the name of t
title):
Why:
Why:
Explain the Systemic root cause:
Problem Description:
Explain why the problem was not detected:
Why:
Why:
Why:
Why:
Intermediate Containment: please list Owner and Target Date:
Final Permanent Corrective Action:please list Owner and
Target Date:
Intermediate Containment: please list Owner and Target Date:
Final Permanent Corrective Action:please list Owner and
Target Date:
Click Below to Download
a sample 5 why template.
One of the most employed problem – solving technique in RCA to
find the main cause of any problem. The technique focused on the
cause – effect relationship in case of a problem or a process failure.
In the below example, you will discover how 5 why can be used in
detecting the root cause of a problem:

5. Benefits of RCA
RCA helps in process improvements for
organizations, chart out lasting improvements
and most importantly, create a roadmap to follow
for thorough understandings of relationships,
causes and effect and solutions.
By practicing RCA, you eliminate taking actions
on redundant symptoms, and help you to work
on actual root cause of problem thus bringing
lasting solutions to an organization.
You establish solid step-by-step procedure with
process mapping for your process that improves
your overall organizational efficiency.
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6. Limitations of RCA
RCA presupposes a single source of the
problem. The model assume linearity and the
existence of cause and effect relationship for
problem solving. However, in the real corporate
world – things are not as simple and
straightforward. Business processes are
complex systems involving people, process and
technology. Correspondingly, many problems
are non-linear involving many known and
unknown components. In such scenarios, other
business problem solving tools need to be
considered.
.

7. Thank You!