eight disciplines problem solving

D0: Preparation and Emergency Response Actions

Plan for solving the problem and determine the prerequisites. Provide emergency response actions.

D1: Use a Team

Establish a team of people with product/process knowledge. Teammates provide new perspectives and different ideas when it comes to problem solving.

D2: Describe the Problem

Specify the problem by identifying in quantifiable terms the who, what, where, when, why, how, and how many (5W2H) for the problem.

D3: Develop Interim Containment Plan

Define and implement containment actions to isolate the problem from any customer.

D4: Determine and Verify Root Causes and Escape Points

Identify all applicable causes that could explain why the problem has occurred.

Also identify why the problem was not noticed at the time it occurred.

All causes shall be verified or proved.

One can use five whys or Ishikawa diagrams to map causes against the effect or problem identified.

D5: Verify Permanent Corrections (PCs) for Problem that will resolve the problem for the customer

Using pre-production programs, quantitatively confirm that the selected correction will resolve the problem. (Verify that the correction will actually solve the problem).

D6: Define and Implement Corrective Actions

Define and implement the best corrective actions. Also, validate corrective actions with empirical evidence of improvement.

D7: Prevent Recurrence / System Problems

Modify the management systems, operation systems, practices, and procedures to prevent recurrence of this and similar problems.

D8: Congratulate the Main Contributors to your Team

Recognize the collective efforts of the team.

The team needs to be formally thanked by the organization.

Problem solving tools