Abstract

Quality practitioners have for many years used cause and effect analysis to find the root causes of problems, but these techniques often fail to stop problems caused by human error. Problem solvers may want to consider a new approach to clarify misconceptions in applying commonly taught root cause analysis techniques. A new definition of root cause based not on cause and effect, but on an absence of best practices, results in a structured process that allows problem solvers to find the real cause of the human errors and equipment failures that result in most quality issues.