Completely Identifying Problems

When solving operational issues, it’s possible to do so partially and to have said problem manifest itself again and again with various mutations that would make us think we’re dealing with multiple issues. By completely and thoroughly resolving the core issue 2 goals are accomplished

• Stop wasting resources dealing with problems from the same core issue
• Create sustainable improvement in the organization.

Focus on Root Cause(s) and not Symptoms

Focus on the symptoms that are most visible in the organization when trying to improve performance is very simple to do. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to scream “Stop shipping the wrong product to deal with wrong shipments” to resolve a order errors-- if it were, every operation would at some point have resolved the issue.

Instead, we must

• Ask “Why?”
• Drill down until the core root causes are identified.
• One, multiple or interrelated root causes to any particular issue can exist

Turn-off All Root Causes

If we only defeat one root cause of a problem that has multiple causes

• Problem will re-establish itself shortly and
• Perhaps change slightly so as to be considered a new or different problem.
• Identify all root causes and develop plans to turn off each one (or one of any given interrelated grouping) to make sure the problem never recurs.

Don’t Mistake Containment for Resolution

As soon as an operational problem is discerned, it should be contained.

Containment steps

• Awareness should be raised
• identify a short-term strategy those affected should work together for making sure the problem doesn’t escape the immediate area while permanent corrective actions are developed and verified.
• Temporary action can remain in place far too long while other more emergent issues are looked after.
• Use Containment action to stop problems from becoming tragedies, but don’t allow containment to remain past its welcome.

Audit Results of Problem-Solving

When a problem has been certified as “solved” within the operation the following should happen

• Periodic and scheduled assessment of resolution should be triggered to ensure that it is truly fixed.
• Post-mortem should also be conducted to understand why the things that functioned properly were effective and why failures were ineffective.
• Brutal honesty and focus on process are essential to be effective in this endeavor.

Don’t Over-Adjust

When a problem with a solved issue re-emerges a tendency to over adjustment can emerge

Remember

• Occasionally the cycle-time to incorporate solutions is longer than the frequency of emergence
• Other problems may occur that escape the containment strategy while the problem is being solved and the process modified, particularly if all root causes are not yet understood
• Identify which problem manifestations occurred because of
  • Failed containment and which occurred because
  • New process is still faulty
• Focus on root cause of the failure here is essential for final resolution.

By completely identifying the problem a great job of problem solving can be done-- every time!

For further information or to speak with an Advisor Free Of Charge contact us: by email ... click here or call 888-980-7520

Thanking you in advance for the honour to be of service,

Constant Improvement Group

Workflow, Performance, & Innovation Leaders

Consulting, Support, Training

Home l About l Process l Performance l Innovation l Programs l Training l Resources l Contact