Complete root cause analysis checklist for quality engineers. Covers 5-Why, fishbone, FTA, and escape point analysis. Free download with 8D report generator...
Root Cause Analysis Checklist This checklist covers the 8D D4 stage. Its purpose is simple: make sure an investigation does not stop at the first plausible answer. A good root cause analysis explains the physical mechanism, the system gap that allowed it, and why the problem reached the customer. Use it before you sign off D4, and keep the evidence attached to each line. Pre-Analysis Preparation [ ] The problem is defined using 5W2H (what, where, when, who, which, how, how many) [ ] The cross-functional team is assembled (D1) [ ] Containment actions are in place and verified (D3) [ ] All relevant data is collected: measurements, photos, records, operator statements Why this matters: a root cause analysis run on a vague problem definition produces a vague fix. The 5W2H statement is the foundation of every Why that follows. Root Cause Tools Checklist [ ] 5-Why analysis completed to at least 5 levels [ ] Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram covering all 6M categories [ ] Is/Is-Not analysis used to narrow the scope [ ] Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) applied for complex multi-factor causes [ ] Escape point identified — why did the defect reach the customer? Tool notes: Fishbone first,...
