4 steps how to carry out RCA

Why? Where? How? When? What?

Most problems don’t have obvious solutions.

That’s why they remain problems, and that’s why, it’s necessary to be aware of underlying causes, especially when planning to carry out a root cause analysis.

Root cause analysis is basically a process with a systematic approach for identifying a problem.

It provides companies a way to prevent or avoid leading causes of some accidents or non-conformities.

It also helps to avoid treating symptoms rather than true, underlying problems that contribute to a problem or event.

There are a few steps that we suggest

how to perform RCA

1. Identifying

• The problem needs to be brought into a spotlight
• By pointing out it’s meant to answer a few questions which will help to bring out the right information
• To find answers sometimes needs to be dug beneath the surface of a problem
• It’s important to collect all data needed to better understand the given situation
• Information should be used to identify causal factors

2. Analyzing

• For better analyzation, it’s advised to bring the team together
• The problem needs to be evaluated from all possible angles
• Applying “5 Why’s” should be involved in the process

3. Determining

• Focus on a recommendation for eliminating the reoccurrence of problems or event
• Identify the impact of the failure
• Listing of probable causes and how many times they occur

4. Resolving

• Sometimes the solution is insufficient, therefore implementation need to be enforced
• By navigating the solution, effectiveness can be verified
• The team should review the process (if applicable) to assure all counter-measures are being followed

Keep in mind: Root cause does not have to be the main cause.

Most RCA experts believe that the achievement of total prevention by a single intervention is not always possible and see RCA as an ongoing process that strives for continuous improvement.

Establishing root causes is rarely an easy task.