Mastering the 8D Problem-Solving Methodology: A Guide to Root Cause Analysis in Manufacturing
Every day, quality leaders face a variety of production and process issues. While some problems are easy to fix, others require deeper investigation—such as using a 5 Whys analysis or Fishbone diagra [...]
EHS Incident Management and Root Cause Analysis
Workplace safety incidents are a key driver of risk in manufacturing organizations. There are the obvious risks to workers, whose ability to make a living directly depends on their employer’s approach [...]
Root Cause Analysis Tools: Which Should You Use?
Root cause analysis is a common weak spot in manufacturing, causing numerous quality issues, product safety problems, and enforcement actions. For example, recent headlines over baby formula safety in [...]
Finding the Root Cause: Where Manufacturers Go Wrong
Finding the root cause of a manufacturing quality issue prevents unsafe or poor quality products from reaching consumers. Unfortunately, many investigations don't get to the true root cause of a probl [...]
5 Strategies to Improve Quality Incident Management and Root Cause Analysis
Imagine you’re doing a pre-shipment inspection on multiple pallets containing product canisters. As a result of the inspection, you observe wrinkled labels throughout the lot. While the defect is cosm [...]
How to use Decision Trees for Root Cause Analysis
Let's start with a scenario that illustrates the methodology behind using decision trees for root cause analysis. The scenario: one morning you notice a dark spot on your driveway where your car had b [...]
How to Use FMEA for Root Cause Analysis
Imagine that you’re a manufacturer of skincare products detecting a spike in complaints about a specific eye cream causing skin irritation. Your initial investigation helps isolate the plant where it [...]
How to Use the 5 Whys for Root Cause Analysis
Solving problems that occur on the manufacturing floor is a lot like peeling an onion. In order to find the true root cause, you may have to peel back several layers during your investigation. Using [...]
Root Cause Analysis and CAPA: Creating a Closed-Loop Process
This article examines why a closed-loop root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) process is critical, as well as the key steps it should cover. In addition, learn how an e [...]
Human Error is a Precipitator for Root Cause Analysis, Not Blame
Have you ever been part of a process that had a failure or two? Perhaps you’ve been on a team that missed a deadline because something didn’t go as expected. Most of us have. In many cases, the team p [...]
