“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”
Why-Why Analysis in essence is an analytical method that seeks help out in identifying all the factors that contributes to a problem one by one in an order, in place of hit-and-miss we rather try to work out the factors and as a result we will have the core cause for the failure.
We use Why-Why analysis fundamentally for searching and to find out the core causes of the problem so that we can find the solution as soon as possible and can continue the work smoothly.
The naming of the method completes on the basis of the main and sole question that we ask during the analysis that is: Why?
Why-why analysis also helps to determine the relation between causes and it does not require statistical analysis.
Key points of Why-Why analysis
- It should carry out in a team.
- Confirm facts from Genba – the actual place and on Genbutsu – the actual location.
- Point out and associates the why-s in a series of logic.
- Investigation should come to an end where the we can avoid cause.
- We should use ‘Hence’ logic to examine the series of logic is unbroken.
- No assumptions should make.
- No guess work should applieds.
- Management should keep in a loop throughout the process of five whys in the organization.
- Usage of paper or rather a whiteboard should complete as they carry a more effective method than computers.
- Note down the problem and it should be make sure that all the people understand it.
- Differentiate causes and the symptoms; do not mix them all up.
- Focus to set on the logic of the cause and effect relation.
- Answers should exact on point.
- Cause should be located step by step; should not try to jump into conclusions.
- Evaluation of the process should carry out.
- Root-cause should never consider a human-error.
- Continue asking the why until and unless the root-cause is determining.
The 5-whys come under the lean technique for under-covering the root cause of the problem.
Leader’s Tip:
Encourage a culture of curiosity and open communication, where team members feel safe to ask “why” repeatedly
How to perform?
So, Below is the process for carrying out a successful 5 Whys analysis:
Gather the team members who already have the knowledge regarding the process that is to inspect. Thus, The team will consist of effective and efficient people who have different point of views on the issue.
Assemble the team, appoint an in charge who will supervise the team for the process and who will keep the team focused and will lead the team with discussion with responsibility.
- Describe the issue
The team members should firstly discuss about the issue and define it in a brief way with the usage of a problem statement.
You will have to make this statement specific to the problem as possible.
“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.”
- Ask the question “why” 5 times
On the first why the team will decide the question to start with, and then the in charge of the team should lead the team in asking the sequence of the questions.
It needs to make sure that the answer to each and every question is based on fact data rather than disputable group judgement.
- Take curative actions
Once the identification of the core cause of the problem is complete, the whole team should discuss the actions that can take to prevent the recurring of the problem.
- Observe the results
It is important to observe carefully the results so that the problem does not reoccur and that the solutions are effective as they are in need.
And if they are not as effective the, this concludes that they do not find the cause and therefore the whole process should carry out again.
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Example and Benefit
The principal benefit of the 5 whys is that it is one of the most dominant method among all the non-statistical analysis methods. It helps to find the problem that was not very clear and the method is simple to understand, not complicated at all and always works.
Example & benefit helps to quickly identify the problem and does not allow the problem to cause widespread damage in the organization. It does not require statistical data or statistical knowledge to perform the process and motivates the team members to share their ideas and opinions.
For Example:
Problem statement that identifies: the client declines to pay the progress payment.
- Why did the customer declined to pay? The reason is that we completed the activity late.
- Why was the activity completed late? Because it took time longer than the estimation.
- Why it took longer time? Because the procured material was not enough.
- Why was the material not enough? Because it was not purchased on time.
- Why it was not purchased on time? Because the analysis of the work schedule was not done.
Therefore the root cause of the problem will be that the analysis assessment of the work schedule was not done. Solution will be to create a good and efficient communication and coordination channel.
Leader’s Tip:
Foster a systematic approach to problem-solving, guiding teams to dig deep and identify multiple layers of causation.
FAQs
What are the five whys questions asked during the process?
What is happening, when did this happen, where it took place, and who discovered the problem, these are the five basic statements that are needed to be asked during the process.
What is the purpose of a why-why analysis?
A why-why is conducted to identify solutions to a problem that address it’s root cause(s). Rather than taking actions that are merely band-aids, a why-why helps you identify how to really prevent the issue from happening again.
What are the 5 Whys technique?
The method is remarkably simple: when a problem occurs, you drill down to its root cause by asking “Why?” five times. Then, when a counter-measure becomes apparent, you follow it through to prevent the issue from recurring.
Key Takeaways
- Why-Why Analysis helps identify the root cause, not just symptoms, promoting long-lasting solutions.
- It empowers teams to learn from mistakes, improve processes, and prevent recurring issues effectively.
- By enabling continuous improvement, Why-Why Analysis drives Lean Management’s success and sustainable growth.