How to identify the root cause of a problem using a fishbone diagram?

It's normal to have problems; it's an inevitable part of how things work. If you don't find the root cause of a problem in the first place, it can multiply or tend to centralize its existence.

The fishbone diagram, a popular tool for breaking down problems into cause and effect relationships. It labels causes and effects so that they can be examined more clearly in the context of each activity and situation. The main focus of the fishbone diagram is to examine the problem separately from the symptoms. What is causing the problem and why is it so firmly established?

The fishbone diagram helps to identify the actual cause of the problem, which is hidden somewhere beyond the exposed factors. Fishbone diagrams help managers to dig deeper into the heart of the problem, the real cause and the root cause.

Fishbone Diagram and Root Cause Analysis

Root cause analysis goes hand in hand with the fishbone diagram. This tool distinguishes the cause of a problem from temporary symptoms that do not lead to the root cause of the problem. This is the first confirmation before starting root cause analysis.

The mouth of the fish reveals the problem statement, what the problem is, how it happened, and what its origin is. The problem should be real, i.e., incorrectly assembled parts, equipment failure. This is the second confirmation in the RCA.

Fishbones apply to problems with certain hidden causes. Not all causes are shown on the fishbone. The method is to represent the real cause as well as the actual and real factors. In the fishbone, the revealed causes are the stepping stones to the root causes, i.e., the nonconformities.

The fishbone contains all possible factors, including environmental factors, resource and safety factors, and factors related to policy and function. In order to understand the complexity of the problem, all of these factors need to be articulated and examined one by one. The more comprehensive the analysis, the easier it will be to get to the root of the problem.

RCA requires a step-by-step approach. This means that those conducting the analysis should use a solution-oriented approach. For every problem, there must be a solution.

Root cause analysis is effective if RCA succeeds in identifying the root cause of the problem.

RCA is an ongoing process that continues until the root cause is detected.