Tools for Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis Map

In December, Systems2win released the new Root Cause Analysis Map (RootMap.xlsx),

which is the right tool to choose when:

1. You want to be more thorough

Perhaps using the (optional) Problem Analysis section Perhaps using advanced features of the Countermeasures section

2. You want to be consistent

   Once your people learn how to use their Root Cause Map, it can be just about as fast as a Fishbone Diagram

3. Your team is investigating root causes of an incident

   that caused enough damage to put your team in the spotlight of your high-level management... if not the press

Learn more about
the Root Cause Analysis Map

Own yours now

Why re-invent?

Insert Sheet

Unlike any competing software...

you can easily use the Insert Sheet feature

to instantly add a Root Cause Map or Root Cause Fishbone to ANY other Excel workbook.

Get yours

Customers with a current Annual Maintenance agreement can at any time request us to send you all of the latest templates that have been released or improved within the past several months.

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If your Annual Maintenance is not current,
then you can fix that...

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Choose the right Root Cause Tools

There is a new training page to help you choose between the many tools for root cause analysis.

Learn more about how to choose
the right tools for Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause
Fishbone Diagram

For many people, a Fishbone Diagram is the only tool they have ever used for root cause analysis.

Your Root Cause Analysis Fishbone Diagram (RootCause.xlsx) is the right tool for Root Cause Analysis when:

You want it fast Once you learn how to use this tool, it is lightning fast to use, even when facilitating a large group

2. Your team is seeking root causes for one (and only one) well-defined problem

   which can be succinctly stated in the fish head

3. You want to be well-prepared to facilitate a time-effective brainstorming session

   (see online training to learn more)

4. This might be the only root cause analysis tool that your team has ever used

   and you might not want to take the time to introduce your team to something new

Learn more about the many tools for
Root Cause Analysis

Don't know what to put in the fish head?

That's when you should use your Thought Map Relations Diagram (RelationsDiagram.xlsx)

Is this a supplier problem?

That's when you should use your 8D Corrective Action template (8D.xlsx)

Why not ask?

There's probably someone who already has helpful insights into the root problems that affect their everyday work - if someone would only ask them... (GembaInterview.xlsx)

The right way to use a
5 Whys Map

In our opinion, a 5 Whys Map
should NOT be used for root cause analysis

Why not?