Root Cause Analysis

Root cause analysis comes in to understand, what is a problem?

If any problem arises in SDLC root cause analysis comes in to understand what is the problem and to reach the roots of the problem, root cause analysis gets to the roots of the problem and helps in removing the main cause of the defect. Using root cause analysis approach is same as the way a doctor treats the patient. He starts understanding symptoms and then simple tests to analyze the disease’s root cause.

Understanding the root cause of problem will help in getting all the detailed about why did the problem come and what exactly is the reason that we are facing this problem

Root cause analysis is a process of finding/discovering the root causes of the problems in order to identify solutions that are appropriate. Root cause analysis will be performed with a collection of principles, techniques, and methodologies that can all be used to identify the root causes of an event or trend which will show the processes or systems which failed or caused an issue in the first place.

most important things to remember is whenever it comes to root cause analysis it is that you’re not just trying to identify the main cause as well as all other causes. When you focus on a single cause, its limited to your solution potential. It will aslo prevents you from fully resoving the issue and from being in a position to foresee future recurrences

Basic steps to follow root cause analysis

• Defining the problem
• Collect data related to the problem
• Identify the root cause
• Implement the correct actions

Techniques of root cause analysis

• 5Why

One of the most common technique the 5 whys is a questions asking technique used to explore the effect underlining a particular problem. Follow up on every WHY’s answer continue with second why question after, deeper “Ok, but WHY?

Eg- Why do I have a headache? This is our 1^st WHY. 1^st answer: Because I can’t see straight. 2^nd why: Why can’t you see straight? 2^nd answer: since I fell on the ground and hit my head hard. 3^rd why: Why did your head hit the ground? 3^rd answer: I was tackled by a stone and I fell to the ground and hit my head hard. It keep on going until we reach the roots of the problem

• Tabular method

It is a process in which the check list is prepared or table of action which is related to the current running processes in any organization if any problem comes the master heck list or table is referred to find deviation this is limited for sample and direct actions.

• Fishbone diagram

It is also known as Ishikawa Diagram and it is considered one of the most robust methods for conducting root cause analysis this model uses the assessment of the People, Process, Machines, Material, Environment.

This tools make it possible to identify all of the roots in retrospective approach.