Root cause analysis (RCA) was developed by manufacturers in the 1950s to better understand industrial events. The goal is, as the title suggests, to identify the primary, or “root,” cause of the problem under analysis. One of the first users of this technique was Toyota and is used still today, who famously used the “5 whys” technique. By asking “why” at least five times during the investigation of a breakdown or undesired event, quality personnel are forced to drill down layer by layer to understand progressively more fundamental root cause(s). [1]
Now, root cause analysis courses are used across many industries to improve their quality assurance. Root cause analysis training teaches the standard process of:
- Identifying a problem
- Containing & analyzing the problem
- Defining the root cause
- Defining and implementing the actions required to eliminate the root cause
- Validating that the corrective action prevented recurrence of problem [2]
Through a corrective action training and root cause analysis course, businesses can benefit by:
- Solving real-world problems
- Lowering operational costs
- Making workplaces safer
- Providing an organizational knowledge repository
- Implementing effective & permanent solutions
A comprehensive approach to process improvement includes integrating corrective action training, which equips businesses to implement long-term corrective actions effectively. This ensures problems are not only resolved but also prevented from recurring.
The Seven-Step Root Cause Analysis Method
Step One – Defining the Problem Through Root Cause Analysis
Step Two – Interim Action Using Corrective Action Training
Step Three – Diagnose
Step Four – Select and Implement the Best Alternative
Step Five – Verify Permanent Action
Step Six – Applying Process Controls
Step Seven – Preventive Measures
Many organizations combine root cause analysis methods with internal audit courses to assess their systems, identify critical points of failure, and address compliance issues. If you are ready to learn corrective action training and root cause analysis methods, sign up for our on-site root cause analysis and corrective action course! You will be provided with a 7-step corrective action checklist that will assist you long after the root cause analysis training is complete.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/root-cause-analysis
- https://swanafl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Benefits-of-Root-Cause-Analysis-2019-Copy-Autosaved.pdf