Root Cause Analysis Techniques and Method
The Sologic® root cause analysis techniques and method uses cause and effect analysis to unlock the door on problems and prevent them from recurring. It’s scalable and universal – and it’s intuitive to use, regardless of your technical abilities or discipline.
Our root cause analysis method is built on the principle that significant events occur for logical and predictable reasons. The vast majority of mistakes, errors, problems and undesirable incidents are not intentional, and there are multiple causes for every effect. Sologic helps you unravel the problem, step by step, to find effective, realistic solutions that deliver a strong return on your investment. The Sologic method also puts you ahead of the curve by proactively using RCA to prevent problems before they occur.
The Sologic method is also designed to minimize personal bias and maximize solution-oriented thinking. Instead of creating a divisive environment, the Sologic process will actually unite your team around a common purpose, process and language to implement effective solutions.
Here’s the Sologic method in a nutshell:
-
Gather and Manage Data
Gather, secure and manage all the supporting data connected to your problem or incident. This is the essential first step to ensure a successful RCA.
-
Create the Problem Statement
Identify the focal point of your problem. Your team will answer a series of questions to identify where and when the incident occurred, and what impact it had on the organization – or how it might have affected your business.
-
Analyze Cause and Effect
Every event has multiple causes. You’ll explore transitory and non-transitory causes, omissions, key points of change, and assign an evidence-based quality score to each cause. It’s the most objective way to choose which solutions to implement. The process does include and address “human error,” but finger pointing and blame do not enter into the equation.
-
Generate Solutions
Your team will brainstorm ways to control, alter and prevent causes and look for both preventive and corrective actions. A set of objective criteria will help you build a solution matrix and assign action items.
-
Produce the Final Report
The final document will include an executive summary, problem statement, cause-and-effect chart, solutions matrix, team information and key completion dates.
Examples of applying the method
RCA program champions and facilitators often ask us for example reports and charts to inspire their ability to thoroughly pinpoint causes, organize them in an accurate and logical fashion, and identify and prioritize effective solutions. Because the investigations we perform for our clients are highly confidential, we've developed example reports and charts to demonstrate practical application of the Sologic RCA method and Causelink® RCA software.
To learn more, or to discuss training options for your organization, please contact us today. We have a variety of flexible solutions to support your company’s needs.
