Solve the problem thoroughly-start with 5Why analysis

Quality Control Department-Wang Lianxing

Quality is the life of an enterprise, the foundation on which an enterprise depends for survival and development, and also a favorable guarantee for an enterprise to enhance its core competitiveness. At the same time, quality problems are common in all walks of life. How to quickly and thoroughly solve quality problems is an important topic that every company is continuously researching.

To solve the quality problem, we must first have the basic professional knowledge reserve, and at the same time, we must have a series of methods to solve the problem. Our commonly used methods include 8D, seven-step method, PDCA, and QC team. All these methods involve a key Steps to find the root cause of the problem. 5Why analysis is one of the tools to find out the root cause of the problem.

What is "5Why"

5Why is also called "five questions", which is simply a quality management method that asks "why" constantly to find the root cause of the problem.

5Why Origins

5Why was the first of Toyota's Ohno. Ohno always loved walking around the workshop and stopped to ask the workers. He repeatedly asked a question, "why," until the answer satisfies him, and the person he asked understands it-this is the origin of the famous "5 whys".

5 Essentials of Why Analysis

Full analysis

Although it is literally understood as "5" "why", it is not limited to discussing why only 5 times in actual application. The purpose is to find the root cause. Sometimes it may only be 1 time, sometimes it may take 10 times. Avoid Subjective assumptions and logical traps follow the chain of causality until the root cause of the original problem is found.

Similar to an old saying: Break the casserole and ask the end.

Three Present Principle

Before asking why, we need to do a survey of the status quo and grasp the real information. This requires us to adhere to the "three presents principle". Before asking why, we must go to the scene in person, check and contact the real thing, and understand the actual situation in person.

The role of 5Why analysis

From the story of the origin of the 5Why method, we can also see that the 5Why analysis method can help business managers to find the source of the problem and provide methods and ideas for the solution of the problem. At the same time, on-site operators can continue to think while being asked questions , To help you sort out the development process of the problem, and to be able to actively and effectively participate in the subsequent rectification of the problem;

5Why analysis method through continuous communication and interaction between enterprise managers and grass-roots operators can jointly cultivate the whole plant's spirit of perseverance and trace the source of the problem, and promote the formation of a thorough problem-solving culture and quality awareness among all employees. improve.

5Why analysis classic small case

Former Toyota Motor Vice President Ohno once cited a 5Why case to find out the root cause of the shutdown:

After continuously asking "why" in the case, the root cause of the problem was found. The final solution was to install a filter on the lubrication pump on the basis of repairing the original surface problem, which solved the problem of shutdown from the perspective of prevention. If employees do not discover the problem with this rooted spirit, they may just stay on the surface of No. 1 Why and change a fuse, and the real problem is still not resolved.

5Why analysis is a relatively simple and practical quality tool, but small tools can also solve big problems. Let's go to the field to try it.