Root Cause Analysis: A Step-By-Step Guide to Using the Right Tool at the Right Time

Root Cause Analysis: A Step-By-Step Guide to Using the Right Tool at the Right Time provides authoritative guidance on how to empirically investigate quality failures using scientific method in the form of cycles of plan-do-check-act (PDCA), supported by the use of quality tools. The book starts by describing the theoretical background behind using the scientific method and quality tools for root cause analysis, before supplying step-by-step instructions for performing RCA with the tools discussed. The book's clear examples illustrate how to integrate PDCA with the scientific method and quality tools when investigating real-world quality failures. This guide provides root cause investigators with a tool kit for the quick and accurate selection of the appropriate tool during a root cause investigation, including an appendix with a guide to tool selection based on the intended use of the tool. By reading this book, you will gain understanding how to integrate the scientific method, quality tools, and statistics, in the form of exploratory data analysis, to build a picture of the actual situation under investigation that will lead you to the true root cause of an event. The tools and concepts presented are appropriate for professionals in both the manufacturing and service industries.