Previously, I discussed some key elements to Problem Solving involving the analysis of several key components of root cause determination in order to effectively solve the problem. Namely, an Accurate Determination of the Problem, Selecting the Appropriate Problem Solving Tool(s), and an analysis of when to use each tool. Here, I will provide you with 3 additional tools that may be used in order to effectively determine the root cause of a given nonconformance:
1. Affinity Diagram
Affinity diagram is another great tool to use because it allows the team to brainstorm a significant number of ideas relating to an issue and then group and summarize them in order to fully understand the essence of the problem, hence the solutions. I like to use Affinity Diagrams as a problem solving tool because it gives each team member the opportunity to be completely open to ideas that one may not necessarily be aware of. It is also a great tool for overcoming team stagnation.
2. Check Sheet
Check Sheets are best used in counting and accumulating data associated with a process. It allows team members to systematically record and compile data in order to effectively identify trends. This compilation of data creates a clear picture of the elements of the process and allows patterns in the data to become clearly and quickly evident.
3. Histogram
Histogram is a great tool to use in summarizing data from a process over a period of time. This data is then graphically presented in bar form showing the frequency distribution. Histogram is a great tool to use when you want to display large amounts of data in tabular form. This may prove to be of great benefit because graphical representation of data may sometimes be difficult to interpret and having this data represented in a tabular format renders it more easily understood. Histogram also quickly illustrates the underlying distribution of the data which in turn may provide useful information for predicting future process performance. Which tool to use? Depends on the nature of the nonconformance. Happy Investigating!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Elements of Problem Solving
Problem Solving or Root Cause determination requires the analysis of several key components in order to effectively solve the problem. Here are 3 elements of the key components:
1. An Accurate Determination of the Problem
“A problem well stated is a problem half solved” Charles Kettering (American engineer, inventor of the electric starter, 1876-1958). The criticality of clearly identifying the problem statement is that it helps you (and your team members) to maintain razor-like focus on the issue at hand. There is a tendency to wander outside of the scope of the problem you are investigating once team members become involved. Therefore, it is important that all team members work diligently on clearly identifying the problem at hand and work as a cohesive unit to determine the root cause.
2. Selecting the Appropriate Problem Solving Tool
There is a multitude of problem solving tools/methodologies out there for analyzing a problem. Often, team members are not well-versed in the different tools and when it is appropriate to use them. As a result, they will use a tool that may not be the best fit and end in long discussions around symptoms of the problem but never arriving at an accurate root cause determination. Some of the more popular tools/techniques are as follows:
i) Brainstorming
ii) Cause and Effect Diagram (a.k.a Fishbone Diagram)
iii) Tree Diagram
3. When to Use it?
i. Brainstorming is often used as a primary means of establishing a means for the team to generate numerous ideas as to why an event occurred. Team members throw out ideas in a non-judgmental and encouraging atmosphere. This encourages “open thinking”, enthusiasm, and creativity.
ii. Cause and Effect Diagram (a.k.a Fishbone Diagram) this tool is often used to explore issues that are multi-factorial in nature and help team identify causes of the problem as opposed to symptoms of the problem. It enables team members to focus on the problem, identify the various elements that may contribute to the problem, and builds consensus.Tree Diagram displays the issue at hand and its related causes in a flow chart format that continues to ask the question “why”. It helps team members focus on issues contributing directly to the problem. Team members are able to graphically evaluate the causes of the problem, investigate and systematically arrive at a root cause.
iii. Tree Diagram displays the issue at hand and its related causes in a flow chart format that continues to ask the question “why”. It helps team members focus on issues contributing directly to the problem. Team members are able to graphically evaluate the causes of the problem, investigate and systematically arrive at a root cause.
Marie
1. An Accurate Determination of the Problem
“A problem well stated is a problem half solved” Charles Kettering (American engineer, inventor of the electric starter, 1876-1958). The criticality of clearly identifying the problem statement is that it helps you (and your team members) to maintain razor-like focus on the issue at hand. There is a tendency to wander outside of the scope of the problem you are investigating once team members become involved. Therefore, it is important that all team members work diligently on clearly identifying the problem at hand and work as a cohesive unit to determine the root cause.
2. Selecting the Appropriate Problem Solving Tool
There is a multitude of problem solving tools/methodologies out there for analyzing a problem. Often, team members are not well-versed in the different tools and when it is appropriate to use them. As a result, they will use a tool that may not be the best fit and end in long discussions around symptoms of the problem but never arriving at an accurate root cause determination. Some of the more popular tools/techniques are as follows:
i) Brainstorming
ii) Cause and Effect Diagram (a.k.a Fishbone Diagram)
iii) Tree Diagram
3. When to Use it?
i. Brainstorming is often used as a primary means of establishing a means for the team to generate numerous ideas as to why an event occurred. Team members throw out ideas in a non-judgmental and encouraging atmosphere. This encourages “open thinking”, enthusiasm, and creativity.
ii. Cause and Effect Diagram (a.k.a Fishbone Diagram) this tool is often used to explore issues that are multi-factorial in nature and help team identify causes of the problem as opposed to symptoms of the problem. It enables team members to focus on the problem, identify the various elements that may contribute to the problem, and builds consensus.Tree Diagram displays the issue at hand and its related causes in a flow chart format that continues to ask the question “why”. It helps team members focus on issues contributing directly to the problem. Team members are able to graphically evaluate the causes of the problem, investigate and systematically arrive at a root cause.
iii. Tree Diagram displays the issue at hand and its related causes in a flow chart format that continues to ask the question “why”. It helps team members focus on issues contributing directly to the problem. Team members are able to graphically evaluate the causes of the problem, investigate and systematically arrive at a root cause.
Marie
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