5 WHY ANALYSIS
It is a method of questioning that leads to the identification of the root cause or causes of the problem. Its use is universal.
The most common use is in dealing with problems or defects: quality, safety at work, loss of production efficiency, informal complaints, warrant.
What is the purpose of 5 WHY analysis?
Typically, following defects or problems, we make predominantly corrective solutions and eliminate only the consequences. 5 WHY analysis enables us to find solutions that would eliminate the source of the underlying cause of the problem. In this way, we eliminate one or more of the causes, and the recurrence of the problem can’t happen.
Key points for the 5 WHY analysis
The basic logic for 5 WHY is very simple, but in practice, it can be quite a difficult tool. It’s essential that we pay attention to:
• The problem is described clearly in concisely in one sentence (when it happened, where, who was present, how, …).
• We’re asking the question “Why?” until we get to the cause in the form of the human factor (finding cause, not guilty party).
• Determine activities to ensure that the problem does not recur.
When the analysis is done, we determine activities, responsible workers, set deadlines for an elimination of the consequences, in particular, the causes of the problem.
Our PERFORMANCE STORYBOARD DIGITAL LEAN software tools, like APS – Advanced Problem Solving or TMM – Total Maintenance Management or SAM – Small Activity Management, include 5 WHY analysis.
With our tools, you can ensure more effective work activities, such as problem-solving, projects of chronic losses or waste elimination, treatment of near misses, management of potential risks for errors or abnormalities, analysis when the KPI – Key Performance Indicators – are not achieved …