5 Why analysis also known as Why Why analysis is a powerful tool and extensively used for across industries and geographies. 5 why analysis can be assembled effortlessly into any continuous improvement framework for effective problem-solving.
5 Why analysis aims at the permanent eradication of “highest level cause” of the problem that can cause nonconformance with the product or the service. The idea embedded in this tool is just simply asking the question “Why” until you reach to the highest level cause. Using 5 Why analysis is also important as it prevents teams from implementing short term solutions in the process.
I remember working with an engineer in one of my previous organization (Factory manufacturing food products), who use to solve all the breakdowns swiftly. Seeking the opportunity to learn from him, I started following him every time he went out to tackle the breakdown. After a few visits, I realized he has only one solution to each problem. He used to make a small block of sheet metal and weld it in the machine, whether it’s a leakage, vibration, breakage or anything else. Those were short term solutions and worked effectively till it deteriorated the machines to the extent where it became impossible to bring them back to their basic condition.
Importance of field check, working with different clients and teams what I realized that this point is not taken care of most of the times. As 5 Why analysis is done with the team in the meeting rooms or discussion area, over a piece of paper or white/blackboard, we are not in the actual place where the problem is occurring. When we answer each why it is answered based on some assumptions or the knowledge/experience of the members of the team. Now, this makes it critically important to check every answer of why at the field (the place where the problem is actually occurring) and validate it with the help of the data/information.
