Root Cause
Root Cause
Root Cause
Root cause is defined as the most basic reason that is responsible for an undesirable condition or problem. It is important to understand a root cause in solving any problem because this will help in understanding and recognizing what is causing the problem (Wilson et al, 1993). Without understanding the root cause, the problem will continue to exist as one will be simply addressing the symptoms. Therefore, root cause analysis is the process of problem solving by identifying causal factors using a structured approach with techniques designed to provide a focus for identifying and resolving a problem. Root cause analysis tools are the tools that are designed to assist groups and individuals to identify the root causes of problems (Doggett, 2).
This problem solving method is based on the belief that problems are solved best when one eliminates or corrects root causes instead of addressing the obvious symptoms. This method aims at directing the corrective measures towards the root causes with the hope that the recurrence of the problem will be minimized. RCA is an iterative and a reactive method that aims at complete prevention of problem recurrence through single intervention. However, it has been recognized that this approach is not always possible. RCA is a tool for continuous improvement.
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis is a procedure that is performed after a failure mode effects analysis so as to classify each potential failure effect according to its severity and probability of occurrence.
Differences
Root cause analysis is a reactive method that is conducted after an incident has occurred. When one becomes conversant and used and therefore gains expertise in this analysis, it becomes a pro active method. Therefore, root cause analysis can be used to foresee the possibility of an event occurrence even before the event occurs. Root cause analysis helps to identify the root cause of a problem. This in turn helps to create corrective actions that are effective in preventing the re occurrence of the problem. This is known as the 100 year fix. RCA requires that it must be performed systematically for it to be effective. It requires to be carried out as an investigation that has concrete conclusions and should be backed by documented evidence (Anderson et al, 2000).
For every problem, the true root cause is always one but the difficult part is arriving at this root cause. RCA should be such that it establishes a sequence of events or timeline for it to be effective. This is important as it helps in understanding the relationship between the contributing factors, the root cause and the defined problem. The importance of RCA is that it helps in transforming the old culture of reacting to problems into a new culture which solves problems before they get too far. In an environment where the RCA process is operated, the instances of problems occurring over time are reduced.
FMEA is a systematic and a proactive method for evaluating a process with an aim of identifying where and how a process might fail and also assessing the relative impacts of different failures in order to identify the parts of a process that are most in need of change. It is designed to prevent incidents from happening (Spath, 2003). It is a procedure for analyzing potential failures in a system through classification by severity or by determining the effect of the failures in a system.
Failure modes can be potential or actual and are defined as errors or defects that affect the customer. i.e. what could possibly go wrong in a process? These defects can be found either in a process, a design or in an item. Failure causes addresses the question of why the said failure would happen while failure effects addresses what would be the consequences of each failure. Effect analysis on the other hand is the study of the consequences of these failures (McDermott et al, 1996).
In the implementation of FMEA, the failures occurring are prioritized in accordance to the seriousness of their consequences, the frequency of their occurrence, and the easiness of their detection. It also involves documentation of current knowledge and actions' involving the risks associated with these failures and this is important for use in continuous improvement. It is commonly used in the product design stage so as to avoid future failures. After this, it is used in process control i.e. before and during ongoing process operations. Therefore, Failure Mode and Effects begins from the conceptual stages of design and goes on throughout the product or service life (Robitalle, 2003).
FMEA is involved in taking actions aimed at preventing and reducing likelihood of failures and it starts with the ones with the highest priority. It is used in evaluating priorities in risk management and this is necessary for mitigating threat vulnerabilities which are known. It also helps in selecting remedial actions which aims at reducing the overall impacts of risks from a system failure. FMEA is therefore useful in quality systems e.g. QS 9000, ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 15189:2003 (ISO, 2010).
Because root cause is reactive and is conducted after an incident has occurred, and FMEA is proactive and aims at preventing the occurrence of an incident, RCA may be biased while FMEA is unbiased. In RCA, there may be theoretical or actual blame which may result in fear and sometimes resistance from some participants. In FMEA, it is unbiased and no one is blamed for an incident occurrence. This is because FMEA involves ultimate openness. While RCA aims at concentrating on an event, FMEA aims at focusing on the entire process of product or service production. RCA poses the question "Why" or "Who" while FMEA asks the question "What if.?" (Spath, 2003).
Advantages of FMEA
FMEA leads to reduction of accidents, errors and adverse reactions. It increases the knowledge and understanding of possible failures that could occur. It also increases team work. By using FMEA, the safety, reliability and quality of the product and the process is improved. The image of the company is improved and thus the company gains a competitive advantage. There is increased user satisfaction, reduced timing and cost of system development, reduced future failures, early detection and elimination of potential failure modes and reduced possibility of occurrence of same failure in the future.
Advantages of RCA
It aims at solving problems from their root causes. It also aids in uncovering the relationship between causes of a problem, symptoms of the problem, how to solve the problem from the root, and provides tangible evidence on causes of a problem, effects of the problem and solutions to he problem (Wilson, 1993).
Are these tools of equal value to a quality manager?
These tools are of equal importance and value to a quality manager. RCA tries to find permanent solutions to a problem while FMEA aims at addressing early detection and elimination of process failures. Therefore these two processes are important because they aim at reducing harm and they both involve identifying situations that can cause harm and they achieve this through a team approach.
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