Editor's introduction: As we all know, analyzing the root cause is one of the essential tasks in the process of product managers. So how to analyze the root cause? The author of this article will answer you. The author of this article talks about the common model for analyzing th

Edit Introduction: As we all know, analyzing the root cause is one of the essential tasks in the process of product managers. So how to analyze the root cause? The author of this article will answer you. The author of this article talks about the common model for analyzing the root causes - the 5why analysis method. Let's learn it together, I hope it will be helpful to you.

always happens in the work of

and all kinds of problems will always occur and various results will be obtained. The boss will ask you to analyze the reason. After you talk about one reason, the boss will ask if this is the root cause? You were stunned. So how can we analyze the root cause? Today, we will introduce a common analysis model - the 5why analysis method.

1. Root Cause Analysis (Root Cause Analysis)

The so-called 5 why analysis method, also known as the "5-question method", means asking a question point in succession with 5 "why" to investigate the root cause. Although

has 5 whys, it is not limited to only "discussing whys for 5 times". The main reason is that the root cause must be found. Sometimes it may only take a few times, and sometimes it may take more than a dozen times. As the old saying goes: break the casserole and ask to the end. The key to the

5why method: encourages people who solve problems to try to avoid subjective or conceited assumptions and logical traps, start with the results, follow the chain of causal relationships, follow the clues until they find out the root cause of the original problem.

, a structured problem-solving method, is used to gradually find out the root cause of the problem and solve it, rather than just focusing on the problem indicating it.

root cause analysis is a systematic problem-solving process, including determining and analyzing the cause of the problem, finding solutions to the problem, and formulating problem prevention measures. In the field of organizational management, root cause analysis can help stakeholders identify the crux of organizational problems and find fundamental solutions.

2. 5Why explores the reasons from three levels

1. problem (what happened) Why does it happen? From the perspective of "manufacturing".
2. Reason (why did it happen) Why wasn't it discovered? From the perspective of "inspection".
3. measures (what can prevent the problem from happening again) Why is the accident not prevented from the system? From the perspective of "system" or "process".

The so-called root cause is the most basic reason that causes the problems we are concerned about.

3, 5Why is the root cause analysis method

, simply put, it is to continuously ask 5 (or even more) whys of the problem, find the deep root cause, and find a solution based on this. Although

has 5 whys, it is not limited to only "discussing whys for 5 times". The main reason is that the root cause must be found. Sometimes it may only take 3 times, and sometimes it may take 10 times.

1) The first why: recognizes and confirms the direct cause of the abnormal event, and if the cause is obvious, verify it. If the cause is not obvious, consider potential causes and inspection accidents, and confirm the direct cause based on facts.

Question: Why does the problem occur? Can I see the direct cause of the problem? If not, I guess what is the potential reason? How do I verify the most likely potential cause? How do I confirm the direct reason?

2) The second reason: continues to ask about the direct cause and establish a cause/effect relationship chain leading to the root cause.

Question: Will processing direct causes prevent it from happening again? If not, can I find the next level of reason? If not, I doubt what is the next level of reason? How can I verify and confirm that there is a reason for the next level? Will dealing with this level of reason prevent it from happening again?

3) The third reason: can find that some potential root causes have begun to surface. At this time, you must still follow normal thinking logic and not rush to draw conclusions.

4) The fourth reason: needs to adhere to an objective attitude, abandon all preconceived ideas, and further explore the analysis direction obtained (generally 1 to 2).

5) The fifth why: In most cases, we will come up with a systematic reason, while in some other cases, we need to continue with one or several whys to find out the root cause.

Generally speaking, why the first two in the 5why analysis method focus on the level of events, and the last three require us to have a deeper understanding of the problem.

can be seen from this. In the cause investigation, the third reason why the transition from superficial reasons to potential causes is the key factor affecting the success or failure of the analysis.

5Why explores the reasons from three levels: Why does

1. happen? From the perspective of "manufacturing"; why didn't
2. be discovered? From the perspective of "inspection"; why did
3. not prevent accidents from the system? From the perspective of "system" or "process".

5 Why the basic principles when asking: the reason for

1. answers is controllable, avoiding "excuses" answers;
2. inquiry and answers are within a certain limited process scope;
3. from the answer results, we can find the direction of action.

The common method we use to analyze causes is to ask questions and explain the reasons clearly through asking questions. In actual operation, we must not only set questions, conduct merciless self-analysis, but also ask questions from everyone, and break through the limitations of personal vision through other people's perspectives.

Self-question:

is to reflect and analyze what you have done, see what problems are there, what achievements are there, and try to find out the reasons and find out the rules. Self-analysis is an opportunity for self-growth. It allows you to give yourself a vaccination first, so that when others give you an injection, you will be prepared and can be compared.

Everyone asked questions: can make the review break through the limitations of the event itself and break through the limitations of personal knowledge. When asking questions, explore more possibilities, examine the conditions of each possibility, and its boundaries. When these are discussed clearly, the problem is basically clear.

example: 5 Why analysis of the Toyota production line, Former vice president of Toyota Motor Company Ono Naiichi once gave an example to find out the real reason for the shutdown.

• Question 1: Why is the machine stopped?
• Answer 1: Because the machine is overloaded, the fuse is blown.
• Question 2: Why is the machine overloaded?
• Answer 2: Because bearing is insufficient lubricating.
• Question 3: Why is the bearing insufficient lubrication?
• Answer 3: Because lubrication pump failed.
• Question 4: Why does the lubricating pump fail?
• Answer 4: Because its shaft is exhausted.
• Question 5: Why is the shaft of the lubricating pump exhausted?
• Answer 5: Because impurities ran into it.

In addition to wishing, we also need ability. Can we disassemble, discover and solve core problems, or just blindly ask for results, resulting in repeated jumps left and right in the shallow layer. The ability to "find the roots and ask the bottom" may also be a reflection of "deep thinking".

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question picture is from Unsplash, based on the CC0 protocol.