Define the �effects� for cause and effect diagram(s).
Prepare a 5M, Process or Stratification cause & effects diagram for each effect (you may want to use a combination).
Team members should each assume their activity causes the problem and ask themselves �How could what I do possibly generate the problem?�
Prepare a time line analysis if the problem was not always present. Identify what changed when.
Perform a comparison analysis to determine if the same or a similar problem existed in related products or processes. Identify past solutions and root causes which may be appropriate for the current problem.
Identify the top few potential causes. Develop a plan for investigating each cause and update the action plan.
Evaluate a potential cause against the problem description. Does a mechanism exist so that the potential cause could result in the problem?
Identify Potential Causes - Cause & Effects Diagram
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