Many companies have at least one Quality problem with their product or service that is addressed many times, but still continues to happen. There are many reasons why these problems reoccur, such as allowing interim actions to permanently fix the root cause, having more than one root cause, or not having controls in place to prevent the quality problem from happening again.
This is why I developed a Corrective Action Response Checklist to help determine the root cause of a Quality issue. This is a tool intended to be used after you take our Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Course. There are seven concise steps in the process:
- Define The Problem – In this step you will ask yourself questions about the problem, such as when and where the problem first seen. This step helps you begin to truly understand the root cause of the Quality issue to prevent it from happening again.
- Discuss Interim Actions – This step is when you discuss what will be the next step in addressing the issue. In this step you will ensure that all potential locations of defective product have been included in the containment plan. At this point you may need to contact the customer depending on the nature of the issue.
- Implement Root Cause Analysis – In this step you are asking more detailed questions about the problem to determine the absolute root cause of the issue. A simple way to summarize this step is by asking yourself if it is possible to turn the Quality problem on and off by removing the suspected root cause.
- Determine Permanent Actions – During this step you will decide what permanent actions to take to solve the Quality issue in the future. You may consider error proofing techniques, preventive measures, or visual aids.
- Verification – This step verifies that you have created methods that eliminate the root cause long term, such as audits and measurement.
- Take Control – In this step you are taking action to stop the issue from happening again by instituting measures or inspections, documenting the changes in work instructions and specifications, as well as establishing a reaction plan if the Quality issue were to occur again.
- Prevention – This is the last and arguably the most important step in the corrective action process. In this step you are implementing these corrective measures in training for new hires and preventative Quality maintenance.
Be sure to download the full Corrective Action Response and Root Cause Analysis Checklist after you take our Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Course. Onsite Root Cause Analysis Training is conducted at facilities throughout the country and are proven to have helped many companies achieve corrective action, such as C & H Enterprises and Renal Solutions, Inc.
“…Robin’s root cause analysis training was just what our company needed. It combined the perfect mix of introducing new techniques along with practical application all in a fun atmosphere that kept the audience engaged.”
Jeff Calafiore, Quality Manager – Environmental Express Inc.