Cause analysis
Root cause analysis is the process of getting to the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms.
Definition
Cause analysis helps distinguish the symptom of a problem from the mechanism that maintains it. In practice, he uses tools such as 5 Why, Ishikawa diagram, data analysis and hypothesis verification. Its purpose is not to point out the culprit, but to find systemic, process or decision-making causes that can be corrected so that the problem does not return.
Key ideas
- Separating the symptom from the cause
- Asking questions systematically
- Corrective actions instead of ad hoc actions
Practice and life
For a repeatable error, write the problem in one sentence, ask "why" five times, and verify each hypothesis with the data.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to look for the culprit instead of the mechanism. Analysis often stops at the first credible explanation without being supported by facts.
> The symptom shows where it hurts; the cause shows where work needs to be done.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What is a symptom here and what is a potential cause?
- What data supports my hypothesis?
- How to prevent the problem from recurring?