4 Root Cause Analysis Tools and Methods (How to Use Them)

Last Updated on October 4, 2023 by Milton Campbell

Have you seen those people who can easily solve any problem that is thrown their way? It’s like problems don’t affect them the same way they affect you. The answer is probably root cause analysis tools.

We all face problems in our lives. Problems at work and problems at home. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to easily solve those problems quickly and effectively?

Root Cause Analysis is the most important step in problem-solving. In this article, you will learn many root cause analysis tools and methods with examples. To eliminate the problem instead of only dealing with the symptoms. 

What Is Root Cause Analysis?

Image of a plant and root. Demonstrating how root cause analysis tools work.

Root cause analysis is a systematic approach used to find the root cause of an issue, taking into consideration all possible contributing factors. It is essentially a problem-solving method that enables managers and leaders to find the conditions that lead to particular results.

Without further ado, let’s get to the root cause analysis methods.

Root Cause Analysis Tools and Methods

The 5 Why’s Root Cause Analysis Tool

This is one of the more popular root cause analysis tools. You can use the 5 Whys for troubleshooting, quality improvement, and problem-solving. However, it is most effective when used to resolve simple or moderately difficult problems.

It may not be suitable if you need to tackle a complex or critical problem. This is because the 5 Whys can lead you to pursue a single track, or a limited number of tracks, of inquiry. When, in fact, there could be many causes. In cases like these, a wider-ranging method such as Cause and Effect Analysis or Failure Mode and Effects Analysis may be more effective.

This simple technique can often direct you quickly to the root cause of a problem. So, whenever a system or process isn’t working properly, give it a try. Before you embark on a more in-depth approach – and certainly before you attempt to develop a solution.

How to Use the 5 Whys

1. Assemble a Team

As you embark on your problem-solving journey, it’s crucial to assemble a team of individuals who are well-versed in the ins and outs of the issue at hand. Your dream team can include those directly affected by the problem or even external consultants who can provide fresh perspectives. Remember, the key to success is to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

To achieve a unified understanding among team members, make sure to clearly communicate the problem you’re tackling and your ultimate objectives. By fostering an environment of openness and collaboration, you’ll lay the groundwork for a successful problem-solving process where everyone’s input is valued and considered. So, gather your team and start working toward effective solutions, together.

2. Define the Problem

To learn more about the problem, analyze the situation. Many problems can be caused by a single situation. Each problem should be identified clearly to help pinpoint the root cause. Anticipate how the people affected by the problem will act.

Based on your first observation, follow these steps to pinpoint the problem:

  • Understand the facts and opinions.
  • Identify where the problem is occurring.
  • Analyze company policies and procedures that may be contributing factors.
  • Talk to the team members concerned to get more information.
  • Describe the problem in detail
  • Collect all information necessary to resolve the problem.

When defining a problem, it is important to stay focused on the problem and not try to find a solution. For example, the problem may be too many orders to fill before the deadline. Saying we must hire more people to fill the orders is focusing on a solution. 

3. Ask “Why?”
Question mark GIF for asking why.

With the problem clearly defined, it’s time for you and your team to delve into the first “why.” Why is this issue occurring? Though it may appear simple at the outset, there’s usually more to it than meets the eye. Asking “why” serves as a powerful tool for unearthing root causes and guiding your team toward effective solutions.

As you explore the reasons behind the problem, remember to stay grounded in facts rather than conjecture. By avoiding speculation, you’ll prevent your team from getting lost in a maze of irrelevant information and potential distractions. Keep your focus sharp, and you’ll be well on your way to identifying the true causes and finding the best solutions.

4. Dig Deeper With Four More whys

Ask four more “Why’s” for each answer you have generated in the previous step. Frame the question according to the answer that you have just got. For example, if your first question was “Why was I late to work?” Your answer might be “Because I overslept” Your next question would be “Why did I oversleep?”

There can be many answers to any of the questions in the “why” process. For instance, when you answer “Why did I oversleep”, the answer might be because you were tired and your alarm didn’t go off. This can take you down many paths to many root causes.

5. Know When to Stop

When asking “why?” produces no useful answers, you will know you have identified the root cause of your problem. The root cause of the problem should be identified and a countermeasure or process should be clear.

Be careful not to get too far into the weeds with your questioning. When you go too far with asking why you actually begin to move further away from your problem. You get into matters that don’t truly relate to your problem.

6. Discuss the Root Cause(s)

Congratulations, you’ve successfully identified the root cause! With this valuable insight in hand, it’s time to gather your team and strategize ways to not only address the issue now but also prevent its recurrence in the future. Encourage open communication and creative thinking, as this will pave the way for innovative and effective solutions.

As you focus on resolving the root cause, don’t forget to revisit any lingering symptoms of the problem. Tie up those loose ends to ensure a comprehensive and lasting solution. By tackling both the cause and its effects, you and your team will create a solid foundation for continued success and a future free from this particular issue.

7. Monitor Your Measures

Upon implementing your carefully devised countermeasures, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the results. Monitor the effectiveness of your solutions in addressing the original problem. Are they succeeding in eliminating or minimizing the issue? Be prepared to modify or even replace these countermeasures as necessary, ensuring that the problem stays under control.

Stay vigilant and adaptive, as problems can sometimes resurface or countermeasures might lose their effectiveness over time. If this happens, don’t hesitate to revisit the 5 Why’s process from the beginning. This approach allows you to continually refine your solutions and keep your finger on the pulse of the issue, ensuring long-term success and a problem-free future.

Simple 5 Why Example

Problem: I was late to work.

  • Why 1: Why was I late to work? I slept through the alarm.
  • Why 2: Why did I sleep through my alarm? I went to bed too late.
  • Why 3: Why did I go to bed so late? I was up late working on a project for work that is due to management today.
  • Why 4: Why was I working on the project at home? I didn’t have time to finish it at work.
  • Why 5: Why didn’t I have time to finish the project at work? I was busy helping a coworker meet their deadline on a project they needed help with. 
  • Possible solution: Next time this happens, have another coworker help the employee. That way I can focus on my tasks and not have to work late into the night to get them done.

Pros of the 5 Whys Technique

  1. Simplicity: The 5 Whys technique is easy to understand and apply, making it accessible to teams with varying levels of experience. It doesn’t require complex tools or specialized knowledge, allowing for quick problem identification and resolution.
  2. Cost-effective: Since it doesn’t require any specialized software or equipment, the 5 Whys technique can be implemented with minimal resources, making it a cost-effective approach for organizations of all sizes.
  3. Promotes collaboration: The 5 Whys technique encourages discussion and collaboration within teams, as members work together to identify the root cause of a problem. This promotes a culture of open communication and shared responsibility.
  4. Focus on root causes: By continually asking “why,” the 5 Whys technique helps teams dig deeper into a problem, moving beyond surface-level symptoms to uncover the underlying issues that must be addressed for long-term resolution.

Cons of the 5 Whys Technique

  1. Subjectivity: The 5 Whys technique can be subjective, as it relies on individual interpretation and judgment, which can lead to biased or incomplete conclusions. This limitation can be mitigated by involving a diverse group of stakeholders in the process, ensuring multiple perspectives are considered.
  2. Limited scope: The 5 Whys technique tends to focus on a single root cause, which may not always be sufficient for complex problems with multiple contributing factors. In such cases, a more comprehensive root cause analysis method may be needed.
  3. Assumption of linear causality: The 5 Whys technique assumes a linear cause-and-effect relationship between the identified problem and its root cause, which may not always be accurate. Some problems may have multiple root causes or be influenced by interrelated factors that cannot be reduced to a single cause.
  4. Potential for oversimplification: The simplicity of the 5 Whys technique can sometimes lead to oversimplification of the problem, resulting in superficial solutions that fail to address underlying issues. To avoid this pitfall, it’s important to validate the identified root cause through data analysis and cross-functional input.

Change Analysis/Event Analysis Method

Image of the word change for one of the root cause analysis methods.

Simple Change Analysis is a tool that can be used to analyze changes in a process. It can help you to understand how the change has impacted the performance of your process and identify any issues that may have arisen as a result of the change.

Simple Change Analysis is particularly useful when:

  • You need to determine whether or not an improvement initiative has had the desired effect on your processes and systems
  • You want to know what impact new technology will have on existing workflows
  • You’re looking for ways of improving efficiency within an organization

How to Use Simple Change Analysis

To use Simple Change Analysis, you’ll need to identify the problem. This can be a specific issue or an area of concern that you want to improve on. Next, work backward from the present state of affairs by examining what has changed since it was created. List out all changes made over time and determine if they were necessary or not. If they weren’t necessary, then it’s likely that one or more problems exist within your system or process that need fixing before moving forward with any new initiatives or projects

Simple Change Analysis/Event Analysis Examples

A production supervisor at a factory notices production has slumped over the past couple of months by 30 percent. The supervisor begins thinking back to what has changed in the past couple of months. The company got a new packaging machine, but that should be able to handle 20 percent more than the old machine. After talking to some employees, the supervisor realizes there is a significant learning curve with the new machinery causing the delay. The supervisor implements some new processes and has everyone trained on the new machinery. This increases the production by 20 percent over the levels before the new machinery.

Pros of Change Analysis/Event Analysis

  1. Effective in identifying root causes: The Change Analysis/Event Analysis Tool is effective in identifying the root cause of a problem. It helps in analyzing the events that occurred before and after the change, which helps in pinpointing the exact cause of the problem.
  2. Reduces the time and cost of problem-solving: By identifying the root cause of a problem, the Change Analysis/Event Analysis Tool reduces the time and cost of problem-solving. It helps in quickly identifying the root cause of the problem, which leads to faster resolution.
  3. Improves system performance: By identifying the root cause of a problem, the Change Analysis/Event Analysis Tool helps in improving the system’s performance. It helps in identifying the changes that need to be made to prevent the problem from occurring again in the future.
  4. Provides insights for future changes: The Change Analysis/Event Analysis Tool provides insights for future changes. By analyzing the events that occurred before and after the change, it helps in identifying the changes that need to be made in the future to prevent similar problems from occurring.

Cons of Change Analysis/Event Analysis

  1. Requires expertise: The Change Analysis/Event Analysis Tool requires expertise to use effectively. It requires knowledge of the system and the events that occurred before and after the change. If the person using the tool does not have the required expertise, the analysis may not be accurate.
  2. May take time: The Change Analysis/Event Analysis Tool may take time to provide results. It requires analyzing the events that occurred before and after the change, which may take time to complete.
  3. May not identify all root causes: The Change Analysis/Event Analysis Tool may not identify all root causes of a problem. It only analyzes the events that occurred before and after the change. If there were other changes made to the system that were not analyzed, it may not identify all root causes.
  4. May not be effective in all situations: The Change Analysis/Event Analysis Tool may not be effective in all situations. It is particularly useful when a problem occurs after a specific change has been made. However, it may not be effective in identifying the root cause of problems that occur randomly.

Cause and Effect Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram)

Image of Cause and Effect Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram) example.

Another technique to visually map cause and effect is the creation of a Fishbone diagram (also known as an Ishikawa Diagram). This technique can be used to find potential causes of a problem. It encourages us to follow categorical branches to possible causes until we find the right one. This is like the 5 Whys, but more visual.

We usually start with the problem at the center of the diagram (the fish skeleton’s spine), then brainstorm a few potential root cause factors. These are then put in off-shooting branches (the fish skeleton’s rib bones). The categories can be very broad and could include “People” or even “Environment.” Once we have grouped the categories, we then break them down into smaller pieces. We might, for example, consider root causes such as leadership, staffing, or training under the heading “People”.

We can get closer to the real root cause of the problem by digging deeper into possible causes and sub-causes. This method can be used to eliminate unrelated categories, find likely root causes, and determine correlated factors. Make sure you choose the right categories before beginning this effective root cause analysis method. This will help keep it simpler.

How to Use The Cause and Effect Fishbone Diagram

  1. Define your problem just like in the “5 Why’s”. Put this in the mouth of your diagram.
  2. Choose the major categories. These will be the branches of your diagram. Categories should be general things like people, equipment, resources, etc.
  3. Once categories are selected, start brainstorming possible causes. Put them under the correct category as a new branch.
  4. Like the “5 Why’s”, you ask why each cause is happening to create sub-causes. These will be branched off the main cause. You do this until you get to the root of the causes. 
  5. Once root causes are determined, you should have some actionable solutions to your problem. Decide which solutions can and should be implemented or researched further.

Pros of Cause and Effect Fishbone Diagram

  1. Visual representation: The Fishbone Diagram provides a clear and concise visual representation of the potential causes of a problem, making it easy to understand and communicate with others. The diagram can help teams quickly grasp the complexity of a situation and identify areas for further investigation.
  2. Promotes brainstorming and collaboration: The process of creating a Fishbone Diagram encourages team members to brainstorm and collaborate, as they work together to identify potential causes of a problem. This fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility and can lead to more innovative solutions.
  3. Organizes information: The Fishbone Diagram categorizes potential causes into distinct groups, such as people, processes, equipment, and materials. This organization helps teams to focus their efforts on specific areas and can help to identify patterns and relationships between causes.
  4. Versatile: The Fishbone Diagram can be used in various industries and for different types of problems, making it a versatile tool for root cause analysis. It can be adapted to suit the specific needs of a team or organization.

Cons of Cause and Effect Fishbone Diagram

  1. Subjectivity: The Fishbone Diagram is a subjective tool, as it relies on individual opinions and judgments to identify potential causes. This may lead to biased or inaccurate conclusions if not approached with care. Involving diverse perspectives and validating potential causes with data can help mitigate this limitation.
  2. Complexity: While the Fishbone Diagram provides a visual representation of potential causes, it can become complex and difficult to analyze if there are numerous contributing factors. In such cases, a more structured root cause analysis method may be required.
  3. Does not prioritize causes: The Fishbone Diagram does not inherently prioritize potential causes, making it difficult to determine which areas to focus on for further investigation or improvement efforts. Teams may need to use additional tools, such as the Pareto Analysis, to prioritize identified causes.
  4. No guarantee of identifying root cause: Although the Fishbone Diagram can help identify potential causes of a problem, it does not guarantee that the actual root cause will be found. Teams may need to conduct further investigation and analysis to confirm the root cause.

CAUSE MAPPING METHOD

Image of a cause mapping root cause analysis diagram

A cause map is like a Cause and Effect Fishbone Diagram. It is a form of visual representation of problem analysis. Both can use the “5 Why’s” approach to dig deeper into causes.

The difference is the cause map reads from left to right as opposed to the Fishbone Diagram reading from right to left. This is the case because the Fishbone diagram was invented in Japan, and they read from right to left.

Also in the Fishbone Diagram, causes are broken down into categories. This is not the case for cause mapping. 

With cause mapping, there may also be causes linked with an “and”. For example, I couldn’t pay my rent because my paycheck was smaller than usual, and I had to pay hospital bills.

How to Use Cause Mapping

  1. Like all the other methods, the first step is to define your problem. This goes on the left.
  2. Next, ask why. This cause or causes go in a box to the right of the problem.
  3. Continue asking why to dig deeper for each cause until you have reached at least five levels of causes.
  4. This should give you at least one actionable approach to solving the original problem.

Pros of Cause Mapping Method

  1. Simplifies complex problems: The Cause Mapping Method breaks down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts, making it easier for teams to understand the underlying issues and identify the root causes.
  2. Visual representation: By creating a visual map of cause-and-effect relationships, the Cause Mapping Method allows teams to see the connections between various factors, facilitating a better understanding of the problem and promoting clearer communication among team members.
  3. Systematic approach: The Cause Mapping Method follows a structured, step-by-step process that encourages teams to be thorough in their analysis. It ensures that all potential causes are considered and helps prevent the overlooking of critical factors.
  4. Versatility: The Cause Mapping Method can be applied to a wide range of industries and problem types, making it a flexible and adaptable tool for root cause analysis.

Cons of Cause Mapping Method

  1. Time-consuming: The Cause Mapping Method can be time-consuming, particularly for complex problems with multiple potential causes. This may not be suitable for situations where a quick resolution is needed.
  2. Requires expertise: To effectively use the Cause Mapping Method, team members must have a strong understanding of the problem and the ability to identify cause-and-effect relationships. This may require training or the involvement of experts, which can be a limitation for some organizations.
  3. Subjectivity: Similar to other root cause analysis tools, the Cause Mapping Method can be subjective, as it relies on individual opinions and judgments to identify potential causes. Ensuring diverse perspectives and validating potential causes with data can help mitigate this limitation.
  4. Limited by available information: The accuracy and effectiveness of the Cause Mapping Method are dependent on the quality and availability of information. If crucial data is missing, the resulting analysis may be incomplete or inaccurate.

Free Root Cause Analysis Software

There are many software programs out there that will help ease you through the process of problem-solving. These free root cause analysis software programs can be extremely helpful in your problem-solving efforts.

Sologic offers some great root cause analysis software. This includes “5 Why’s” templates and a Fishbone Diagram tool. 

Tap Root is another site that offers patented root cause analysis tools. Their root cause analysis software can either be utilized online or purchased and used onsite.

Think Reliability offers a free cause mapping root cause analysis template to make your process easier.

Root Cause Analysis is Not Only for Problem-Solving

Many times we focus on why a problem happened, but it’s just as important to understand why successes happen. Root cause analysis can and should be used on your big successes too. It’s the same type of steps. Start with the success and work your way back. Determining what caused it. This can help you replicate successes in the future. 

Final Thoughts

Now you have the free root cause analysis tools to get to the root of any problem. The important part, when faced with a problem, is to try to get as much information as possible. The more information you have, the easier it will be to solve the problem. 

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