The document outlines Toyota's 8 steps to practical problem solving which include: 1) clarifying the problem, 2) breaking down the problem, 3) setting a target, 4) analyzing the root cause, 5) developing countermeasures, 6) implementing countermeasures, 7) monitoring results and the process, and 8) standardizing and sharing success. The 8 steps are meant to work in conjunction with the PDCA (plan-do-check-act) cycle and promote continuous improvement.

1. The leaders in visual safety
Presents
Toyota’s 8 Steps To
Practical Problem Solving
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2. No Gimmicks
Proven method over time developed by one of the
most successful companies of our time.
No frills
Simple
Lean Rooted
Kaizen Boosting
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3. Mind Over Matter
Facts
Data
Experience
Common Sense
Are all used to form Logical & Rational Solutions
to your organization's problems and objectives.
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4. What’s The Problem?
First things First...
Define what your organization considers a problem:
Any deviation from the standard
Gap between the actual condition and the desired condition
Any unfilled customer need
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5. STEP 1 Clarify The Problem
問題を明確にする
Decide why it is a problem
Determine the benefits to solving the problem
Consider how it fits into the business as a whole
and the effects it will have on current goals
Go SEE the problem first hand!
(Also referred to as the GEMBA Walk - see our
Gemba Walk 101 on Slideshare.net)
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6. STEP 2 Break Down the Problem
問題をブレイクダウンする
Time to get detailed and specific
Break down big problem into small problems
Go SEE each small problem up close!
Study & Analyze inputs & outputs of the process
Prioritize efforts based on results
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7. STEP 3 Set the Target
達成目標を決める
Time for Commitment
Focus turns to what is needed to complete project
How long will it take?
Set target dates that challenge staff,
but don't hinder other improvement efforts
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8. STEP 4 Analyze the Root Cause
真因を考え抜
Identify the factors that cause the problem
Generally more than one
Consider and address any and all potential root causes
Go and SEE root causes in person!
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9. STEP 5 Develop Countermeasures
対策を立てる
Teams develop countermeasures to remove
root causes
Develop as many as possible that directly
address root causes
Narrow down to most practical and
effective based off your target
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10. STEP 6 Implement Countermeasures
対策をやりぬ
See countermeasures through with clear detailed plan in a
timely manner
Open communication is vital during implementation
Seek ideas and feedback to see what is and isn't working
Focus on one countermeasure at a time to effectively
monitor them
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11. STEP 6 Implement Countermeasures (cont.)
対策をやりぬ
“Anyone who has never made a mistake
has never tried anything new.”
--Albert Einstein
Mistakes happen, it's ok!
Continue to work through the process
Persistence is key
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12. STEP 7 Monitor Results and Process
結果とプロセスを評価する
Some countermeasures require more than one
attempt to get right
They may need modification and adjusting
Determine if intended outcome was result of
countermeasure or a fluke
Always room for improvement in the process if you
have the tools in place to recognize them
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13. STEP 8 Standardize and Share Success
成果を定着させる
Set new processes as the new standard
Share results with organization
Reflect on what you've learned
Address ALL unresolved issues
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14. Incorporating the PDCA Deming Cycle
The Eight steps work hand in hand with PDCA
Steps 1 – 5: Planning what you're going to do
Step 6: Doing what you've planned
Step 7: Checking the results
Step 8: Act on your results to set new standard
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15. On to the Next One
Continuous improvement never stops
Move on to the next problem seamlessly
Continue to work towards perfection
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16. The leaders in visual safety
We’ve got you covered.
Creative Safety Supply works with companies both
large and small to help them with their
Arc Flash Labeling, Software and Signage needs.
We also carry a host of PDCA, Lean, 5S, 6S Kaizen,
Kanban and Continuous Improvement products.

17. The leaders in visual safety
call us toll-free:
1-866-777-1360
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