1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
During the Gemba Walk
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The root cause analysis is a systematic problem-solving approach that focuses on solving the underlying problem (root cause) instead of applying quick fixes that only treat immediate symptoms of a problem. A common approach for discovering the root cause is the Ishikawa diagram, also known as Fishbone or Cause and Effect diagram, to structurally break down the problem.
3. HOW TO USE THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS (ISHIKAWA) IN THE GEMBA WALK
The Ishikawa diagram helps the Gemba Walk team to systematically perform a root cause analysis during the Gemba Walk. The Ishikawa template is often part of the Gemba board, and the team follows simple steps towards the on-the-spot root cause identification:
Define the problem
Decide on categories of possible causes such as: Method, Machine, Manpower, Material, Management, Mother nature (environment)
Define underlying root causes
Plan improvement actions
Ishikawa diagrams are often stored (hard or soft copy) for future reference.
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Supports the team with the resources and time to carry out the root cause analysis
Facilitator: Supports with root cause analysis training, provides templates for the Ishikawa diagram. Facilitates the session to enable teams to create the fishbones
Team member: Highlights the problem, identifies main causes, proposes improvement actions
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Supports an easy-to-use problem-solving process
Helps identify the true causes of problems
Visual diagram to align and guide the Gemba team
Helps preserve identified root causes (knowledge management)
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT CARRY OUT ROOT CAUSE ANALYSES
Airbus Defence and Space, Barry Callebaut, Bocar Group, CEMEX, IMC, Interface, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Swisscom and Thermo Fisher Scientific