Published 6 Sep 2022
What is Root Cause Analysis?
Root cause analysis (RCA) is a methodical approach in analyzing a problem and eliminating its root cause to solve counterproductive issues or events. Root cause analyses can help ensure the prevention of recurring problems, validating that RCA-recommended actions can improve business processes and boost productivity.
Root Cause Analysis Template
A root cause analysis template is used to analyze a recurring problem and help eliminate the root causes. RCA teams should drill down to the root of the problem to implement solutions with a lasting impact. Improve business processes and boost productivity by incorporating this template into your problem-solving techniques. Our featured RCA template has been built for you to efficiently:
- Describe the issue and its impact;
- List potential reasons why the issue happened;
- Identify the root cause and take/attach photo evidence for verification;
- Provide a prevention strategy and recommend solutions; and
- Complete the RCA report with digital signatures.
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This article features:
- What is a root cause analysis template?
- What are the different types of RCA tools?
- Top root cause analysis questions
- How to do root cause analysis
- How to efficiently perform RCA with a digital root cause analysis tool
- Root Cause Analysis Report PDF
- FAQs on root cause analysis
- Free root cause analysis templates and docs you can download, customize, and use
What is a Root Cause Analysis Template?
A root cause analysis template (also known as an RCA template) is used by cross-functional teams (CFTs) of subject matter experts to construct a good problem statement, collect relevant data, effectively identify the root cause, and implement lasting solutions. Utilizing mobile-ready root cause analysis templates can help teams take immediate action to resolve issues and cultivate a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Which RCA Tool is Right for Me?
Various tools are used to facilitate root cause analysis better, so it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the organization and its context to be able to pick the right RCA format. Moreover, different business problems entail a specific approach to reach the accurate conclusion of the root cause, formulate correct solutions, and achieve optimum results. Here are 4 of the best RCA tools to help you determine the right approach for your problem.
5 Whys Analysis (The Five Whys)
One of the most widely used problem-solving techniques is the 5 whys analysis. It is applied to universal problems across various industries due to its simple but practical nature, especially when implementing kaizen in your organization. With this root cause analysis format, pinpoint the root cause by asking, “Why did this problem occur?” five times. Use a 5 whys analysis template for initial root cause analysis and easily build a culture of collaboration and accountability among employees.
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
An FMEA aims to anticipate potential problems before they happen so that their adverse effects on customers can be mitigated. Product design and process improvement professionals perform failure modes and effects analysis to prevent costly manufacturing failures and increase customer satisfaction. A highly functional FMEA template is crucial for success in implementing FMEAs.
8 Disciplines of Problem-Solving (8D)
Quality engineers in the automotive industry first developed 8D for comprehensive RCAs of critical problems in the production process. Applying the 8D approach in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing has also been proven to drive effective system changes. Conduct an 8D root cause analysis when safety or regulatory issues have been discovered in your business and repetitive customer complaints about your product/service are received. Permanent remedial actions based on data and information related to the problem can be established using an 8D template and an 8D RCA report.
Six Sigma Methodology (DMAIC)
For any project that needs improvement, follow the DMAIC process (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and focus efforts on the analyze phase. As the most recognized Six Sigma methodology, its strength lies in the structure and rigor from quantifying the problem to implementing long-term solutions. Use a digital DMAIC template to breakdown the root cause analysis by defining performance objectives, identifying value/non-value added process steps and specifying the sources of variation.
Top 8 Root Cause Analysis Questions
Following one of the framework of one of the most comprehensive root cause analysis techniques, listed below are sample questions team leaders can ask when performing root cause analysis:
Question #1:
Is my problem-solving team trained enough and aware of their respective functions?
Question #2:
Does our problem statement answer the 5 Ws and 2 Hs for greater clarity and accuracy?
Question #3:
Can these actions temporarily isolate the problem from our customers in the future?
Question #4:
Does the root cause reveal non conformance or hidden flaws in the system?
Question #5:
Can these possible solutions change the product and/or process conditions to permanently solve the problem?
Question #6:
Were actions communicated to all stakeholders to mitigate the risk and to measure improvements?
Question #7:
Were similar products and/or processes reviewed and work procedures updated for problem prevention?
Question #8:
Have I provided relevant feedback and recognized both team and individual efforts?
How to Do Root Cause Analysis
The root cause analysis can be done in a few simple steps which are as follows:
- Define the problem – This first step aims to recognize any issues, problems, or areas for improvement in any specific unit of the business or organization.
- Collect data – Gather evidence or relevant documentation that supports and investigates the elements involved in the identified problem.
- Determine possible causes – List events or situations that may be contributing factors to the cause of the problem.
- Identify the root cause – Using various tools and problem-solving methods available, specify the root cause of the problem.
- Implement solutions – Recommend and enforce possible solutions or preventive measures that would lessen, if not totally eliminate the problem or the root cause.
Learn more about how to comprehensively do the root cause analysis here.
Streamline RCA with iAuditor Templates & Software
Root cause analysis with your team can achieve optimum results when integrated with digital root cause analysis tools such as iAuditor by SafetyCulture. Empower your RCA team with iAuditor and take advantage of:
Streamlined data collection
- Perform RCAs anytime, anywhere using an RCA template from any iOS, Android, or Windows smartphone or tablet!
- Capture and store unlimited photos as proof of verified root causes.
- Validate data and information using digital signatures.
- All data is automatically saved and secured in the cloud!
Instant root cause analysis reports
- As your team completes a root-cause analysis, an RCA report is automatically produced!
- Share RCA templates to all stakeholders with just the tap of a finger!
- You can also export your RCA report in various formats such as PDF, DOC, CSV, etc. View sample report of a Root Cause Analysis PDF here.
- Customize your RCA template to generate reports that fulfill your business needs.
Enhanced team administration
FAQs About Root Cause Analysis
RCA or root cause analysis is performed when an incident occurs and it results in an undesired outcome. An RCA is performed to help businesses determine and document the potential cause of that incident and create countermeasures to prevent its recurrence.
A root cause analysis is conducted by a small team. The team is composed of experienced personnel involved in the business process/area where the issue occurred.
A root cause analysis can be performed in 5 easy steps:
- Realize the problem
- Gather data
- Explore and determine potential causes
- Identify the root cause
- Recommend and implement solutions
A root cause analysis document is a must if the aim is to complete an in-depth and effective analysis. Below are elements that you can consider for your root cause analysis to ensure all relevant details are well-accounted for in your form:
- Title Page – Include the basic details of your analysis session such as the date and location, as well as the name of the facilitator for proper documentation.
- Issue Details – Use a section of your RCA template to document the date the issue was reported, its brief description, and the rating of its impact on organizational or employee productivity.
- Possible Root Cause – List the potential reasons it happened, the main category of the issue (equipment, process, organization, or non-conformance, among others), and the identified or potential root cause of the issue.
- Next Steps/Recommendations – As part of the organization’s continuous effort in proactive prevention strategy, your RCA template must also include a section that lists the solution to be implemented, the estimated cost, and if there are special considerations or findings to be reviewed for corrective action.
- Completion/Sign-off – Lastly, use the final section of the RCA template to put the details of the RCA team, as well as the full name and signature of the facilitator or person-in-charge (PIC).
Featured Root Cause Analysis Templates
5 Whys Template
A 5 whys template can help ensure that business teams resolve the root cause of problems to avoid them from recurring. This 5 whys template has been designed to make it easier for you to ask and answer the question, “Why?”. Conduct follow-throughs on the effectiveness of your solutions and improve accountability with your employees. Our featured 5 whys template enables you to easily perform the following:
- Clearly define the problem;
- Answer why the problem occurred;
- Check if the root cause is discovered;
- Provide a solution to the root cause of a problem; and
- Create and assign action.
FMEA Template
An FMEA template aims to identify potential problems in a process, product or design and prevent their adverse effects on customers. You can also customize this digital FMEA template based on your company requirements. Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of remedial actions with the use of this template. Our featured FMEA template empowers product design and process improvement teams to:
- Describe the process function;
- Identify the mechanism of failure;
- Determine the RPN;
- Create and complete remedial actions
- Validate the FMEA with digital signatures
8D Report Template
An 8D report template is an RCA format used to document a comprehensive root cause analysis based on the 8 Disciplines of Problem-Solving, previously known as the Team-Oriented Problem-Solving. 8D teams can easily generate a detailed report with the use of this template. Effective system changes that improve the quality and reliability of your product/service can be derived from an 8D root cause analysis report.
DMAIC Template
A DMAIC template can help ensure that Six Sigma practitioners apply the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) as a root cause analysis format for process improvements. Start by defining the project goals and listing customer deliverables. Next, measure the current performance of the process to quantify the problem. Analyze until the root cause has been identified and improve the design, system, and/or process with assessed and re-evaluated solutions. Finally, specify the monitoring and control system in place and complete the DMAIC root cause analysis report with your digital signature.
SafetyCulture Content Specialist
Shine Colcol
