Download our free Root Cause Analysis Template to effectively identify, analyze, and resolve issues. Includes data collection, solution planning, and reporting steps.
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Identify the problem or issue
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Define the problem or issue
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Collect all relevant data or information
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Analyze the data or information
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Identify potential causes
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Determine the most likely root cause
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Approval: Root Cause Determination
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Determine the best solution
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Create an action plan
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Implement the action plan
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Monitor the outcomes and effectiveness of the action plan
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Adjust the action plan if necessary
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Record all findings from the root cause analysis
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Prepare a report of the root cause analysis
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Approval: Report
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Submit the report
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Review feedback on the report
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Make necessary modifications to the report based on feedback
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Approval: Final Report
Identify the problem or issue
In this task, you need to identify and clearly define the problem or issue at hand. Consider what symptoms, behaviors, or outcomes are indicating a problem or issue. Your goal is to clearly articulate the problem or issue in order to begin the root cause analysis process.
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Sales
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Manufacturing
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Customer Service
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Administration
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Other
Define the problem or issue
In this task, you will provide a clear definition of the problem or issue identified in the previous task. This will help ensure that everyone involved has a shared understanding of what the problem or issue actually is.
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Low
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Medium
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High
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Critical
Collect all relevant data or information
In this task, you will gather and collect all relevant data or information related to the problem or issue. This may include documents, reports, data analysis, interviews, or surveys. Your goal is to obtain as much information as possible to inform the root cause analysis process.
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Sales data
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Customer feedback
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Production logs
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Employee interviews
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Industry benchmarks
Analyze the data or information
Now that you have collected all relevant data or information, it's time to analyze it. This task involves carefully reviewing and interpreting the data to identify any patterns, trends, or anomalies that may be contributing to the problem or issue.
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Excel
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SPSS
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Python
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Tableau
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Other
Identify potential causes
Based on the analysis of the data or information, you will now brainstorm and identify potential causes that may be contributing to the problem or issue. Think critically and consider both obvious and less obvious causes.
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Sales
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Manufacturing
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Customer Service
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Administration
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Other
Determine the most likely root cause
In this task, you will carefully consider all potential causes identified in the previous task and determine which one is the most likely root cause. The root cause is the underlying reason or factor that is responsible for the problem or issue.
Approval: Root Cause Determination
Will be submitted for approval:
Identify the problem or issue
Will be submitted
Define the problem or issue
Will be submitted
Collect all relevant data or information
Will be submitted
Analyze the data or information
Will be submitted
Identify potential causes
Will be submitted
Determine the most likely root cause
Will be submitted
Determine the best solution
Having identified the root cause, it's now time to determine the best solution to address the problem or issue. Consider various options and evaluate their feasibility, impact, and potential risks. Your goal is to identify a solution that will effectively resolve the root cause.
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Low
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Medium
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High
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Very High
Create an action plan
Now that you have determined the best solution, you need to create an action plan to outline the steps and timeline for implementing the solution. This will help ensure that everyone involved knows what needs to be done and when.
Implement the action plan
In this task, you will execute the action plan you created in the previous task. It's important to follow the plan and ensure that each step is completed as scheduled. Regular communication and coordination with team members is key to successful implementation.
Monitor the outcomes and effectiveness of the action plan
After implementing the action plan, it's important to monitor the outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution. This task involves collecting data, assessing the results, and comparing them to the desired results and expectations.
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On track
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Behind schedule
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Completed
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Not started
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Other
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Highly effective
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Somewhat effective
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Not effective
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Too early to tell
Adjust the action plan if necessary
Based on the monitoring and evaluation of the outcomes, you may need to make adjustments to the action plan. This task involves analyzing the data and feedback, identifying any issues or challenges, and modifying the plan accordingly.
Record all findings from the root cause analysis
In this task, you will document and record all the findings and insights gained from the root cause analysis process. This includes any data, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations that were generated throughout the analysis.
Prepare a report of the root cause analysis
Now that you have all the necessary findings and insights, it's time to prepare a report summarizing the root cause analysis. The report should provide a clear overview of the problem or issue, the analysis process, the root cause determination, and the recommended solution.
Approval: Report
Will be submitted for approval:
Determine the best solution
Will be submitted
Create an action plan
Will be submitted
Implement the action plan
Will be submitted
Monitor the outcomes and effectiveness of the action plan
Will be submitted
Adjust the action plan if necessary
Will be submitted
Record all findings from the root cause analysis
Will be submitted
Prepare a report of the root cause analysis
Will be submitted
Submit the report
In this task, you will submit the report of the root cause analysis to the designated recipients. Ensure that the report is properly formatted, reviewed for accuracy, and delivered according to any submission guidelines or requirements.
Review feedback on the report
After submitting the report, you will receive feedback and comments from the recipients. This task involves reviewing and analyzing the feedback to understand any suggestions, concerns, or improvements that may be necessary.
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Positive
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Neutral
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Negative
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Mixed
Make necessary modifications to the report based on feedback
Based on the feedback received, you will make any necessary modifications or revisions to the report. This task involves carefully considering the feedback, addressing any concerns or suggestions, and ensuring that the final report reflects the desired changes.
Approval: Final Report
Will be submitted for approval:
Submit the report
Will be submitted
Review feedback on the report
Will be submitted
Make necessary modifications to the report based on feedback