28/4/2020 A Focus on Quality – The 5-Why and Ishikawa Cause and Effect Research Methods - CAQ Software Anbieter

A Focus on Quality – The 5-Why and Ishikawa Cause

and Effect Research Methods
Nothing happens without a reason – effects are always the result of a cause. Unfortunately,
detecting causes is not always easy, as effects are usually the result of a complex and often
convoluted series of causes.

Experience shows that the immediate cause of a

problem itself is generally the result of a variety of
further causes, and each of these result from
additional causes. Hence, you need to often dig
very deep until you can uncover the actual root
cause of a problem. Regardless of what eld of
business you operate in, the detection of causes
and the correct designation of in uence factors
are the most important steps for e ectively
preventing negative e ects.

Two techniques that are used within quality

management to uncover the root cause of a
problem are the 5-Why method and Ishikawa diagrams. The 5-Why method, developed by Toyota, uses a
simple yet e ective question asking technique in order to nd root causes. Repeatedly asking the question of
“Why?” peels away individual causes bit by bit and eventually exposes the root cause of a problem.

The 5-Why Method

An example: the production tolerance parameters of a product are not met.

Why? (1) The machine is not functioning correctly.

Why? (2) A required maintenance job was not done.
Why? (3) The maintenance job was not included in the maintenance plan.
Why? (4) The maintenance plan is out of date.
Why? (5) The maintenance plan is not checked on a regular basis.

Hence, the action that needs to be taken in order to prevent a failure of the machine is to regularly check that
the maintenance plan is up-to-date. The 5-Why method allows you to keep questioning the problem until the
root cause is uncovered.

The Ishikawa Diagram

The Ishikawa diagram works in a similar manner. It allows the user to consolidate all possible problem causes
and interdependencies in a clearly structured shbone diagram. The in uencing variables are subdivided into
primary and secondary causes which all point towards the main problem or potential for improvement. The
individual arrows each stand for a contributing factor to a cause or improvement.

For the sake of a better overview, the primary causes are summarized in a selection of categories. These can,
for example, consist of 6 Ms (Machine, Method, Material, Man Power, Measurement and Milieu) or 8 Ms
(including Management and Maintenance). Any type or number of primary causes can be applied. These are
then addressed step by step, thereby allowing valuable information to come to the fore. The analysis of the

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28/4/2020 A Focus on Quality – The 5-Why and Ishikawa Cause and Effect Research Methods - CAQ Software Anbieter

various in uence factors via the Ishikawa diagram often reveals connections that no one would have thought
of initially.

With its modules REM.Net and Risk.Net, CAQ.Net® software o ers you comprehensive support for tracking
down the root causes of problems and uncovering idle potential for improvement. Apart from Ishikawa and
5-Why, CAQ.Net® also contains a variety of other powerful cause and e ect research methods. Use the most
re ned research tools that today’s quality management has to o er and e ciently shed light on the hidden
causes of problems.

Additional Links
FMEA.Net - Risk Management / FMEA
REM.Net - Complaint Management / CAPA

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