Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a problem-solving technique that aims to identify the underlying or "root" causes of a problem or issue. It involves digging deep into the symptoms of the problem to uncover the underlying factors that led to it. The goal of RCA is to identify the root cause or causes of the problem and address them, rather than just treating the symptoms. By doing so, organizations can prevent the problem from recurring in the future. RCA can be used in a wide range of fields and industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, information technology, and many others. The process typically involves gathering data and information, analyzing the data to identify patterns and relationships, and developing a plan to address the root causes of the problem. RCA techniques can include tools like brainstorming, cause-and-effect diagrams, and statistical analysis, among others.

1. Root Cause Analysis
(RCA) techniques
Nirmal Thomas

2. 5-Whys Analysis
This technique is based on asking
"why" repeatedly until you get to
the root cause of the problem. It's a
simple and effective way to drill
down into the underlying causes of
a problem.

3. 5-Whys Analysis: Example
A manufacturing plant has a problem with defective
products. Using the 5-Whys Analysis, they discover
that the root cause is a faulty machine. Why?
Because it's not calibrated correctly. Why? Because
the maintenance team hasn't been trained on
calibration. Why? Because there is no standard
training program. Why? Because the HR
department hasn't created one. Why? Because they
don't have the resources to do so. By identifying the
root cause, the manufacturing plant can now take
steps to address the training issue and prevent
future defects

4. Fishbone or
Ishikawa Diagram
This technique is useful for
organizing and categorizing
the different factors that
contribute to a problem. It
helps to identify the different
areas where improvements
can be made

5. Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram
Example: A hospital is experiencing delays in
patient care. The fishbone diagram could show
categories like people, process, equipment,
environment, and materials. Under each category,
there could be factors like staffing levels,
scheduling procedures, medical equipment, waiting
room conditions, and medication supplies. By
identifying these factors and their relationships, the
hospital can take steps to improve patient care and
reduce wait times.

6. Failure Modes
and Effects
Analysis (FMEA
This technique is useful for
identifying potential failures and
their consequences, and taking
steps to prevent or mitigate them.
It's commonly used in industries
like healthcare, manufacturing, and
aviation.

7. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA
Example: A medical device manufacturer is
developing a new product. They use FMEA to
identify potential failures like software bugs,
mechanical malfunctions, and electrical faults, and
evaluate their potential effects on patient safety.
They then take steps to prevent or mitigate these
failures before the product is released, such as
implementing software testing procedures,
conducting rigorous quality control inspections,
and providing clear instructions for use.

8. Root Cause
Mapping
This technique is useful for visually
mapping out the causal
relationships between different
factors and the problem. It helps to
identify the sequence of events that
led to the problem.

9. Root Cause Mapping
Example: An e-commerce website experiences a
high rate of shopping cart abandonment. The root
cause map could show different factors like website
design, product selection, checkout process, and
customer service. By identifying the factors that led
to shopping cart abandonment, the website can
take steps to improve the user experience, such as
simplifying the checkout process, offering free
shipping, and providing better product
recommendations.

10. Fault Tree
Analysis
This technique is useful for
identifying the potential causes of a
problem and their interactions. It
helps to identify the combinations
of factors that could lead to the
problem.

11. Fault Tree Analysis
Example: An airline experiences a safety incident.
The fault tree could show different components like
engines, avionics, hydraulics, and flight controls. It
could then show the different combinations of
failures that could lead to the safety incident, such
as an engine failure combined with a loss of
hydraulics. By identifying the potential causes and
their interactions, the airline can take steps to
prevent future safety incidents, such as
implementing more rigorous maintenance
procedures and upgrading equipment.