As part of our walk-through of root cause analysis tools, we saw tools such as FMEA and the 5 Whys. Let us now focus on another very important tool: the Fishbone Diagram. Sometimes called the Ishikawa or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, it is a very popular method for identifying possible causes of a problem, organizing them, and then representing them graphically. All of this helps in showing clarification of different relationships.
Understanding the Fishbone Diagram
The fishbone diagram is a tool that makes it very easy to deconstruct any problem into possible causes. The diagram essentially looks like a fish skeleton with a "head" representing the problem and the different causes branching out like bones. Every "bone" represents a category of possible causes that may be a contributor to the problem.
Why Use the Fishbone Diagram?
Systematic Analysis: The application of the Fishbone Diagram guarantees the completion of a detailed analysis by which no cause is overlooked.
Clear Visibility: Through the graphical arrangement of causes, teams can easily visualize the relationships between factors and how these contribute to the problem.
Systematic Problem Solving: It offers an organized clear process for carrying on an investigation into a problem; this type of approach is very useful for businesses to tackle the issue systematically.
Example: Using the Fishbone Diagram at a Local Restaurant
Let’s look at how a local restaurant can use the Fishbone Diagram to solve a problem related to customer complaints about inconsistent food quality. This detailed example will walk you through how the restaurant can break down the problem into its root causes:
Problem:
Customers are complaining about inconsistent food quality.
Categories and Causes:
People:
Inexperienced kitchen staff: Some new hires are unfamiliar with standard recipes.
Inadequate training: The training program is inconsistent, leading to variation in food preparation.
Processes:
Lack of standard operating procedures (SOPs): Variations in how dishes are prepared.
Inconsistent quality checks: Errors go unnoticed due to a lack of regular quality control.
Equipment:
Malfunctioning kitchen equipment: Old ovens and grills causing uneven cooking.
Poor maintenance: Equipment breakdowns during service.
Materials:
Low-quality ingredients: Suppliers providing inconsistent quality.
Improper storage: Spoiled ingredients due to poor storage practices.
Environment:
Unorganized kitchen layout: Inefficiency during peak hours.
Temperature fluctuations: Inconsistent storage temperatures affecting ingredient freshness.
Management:
Poor communication: Lack of feedback between kitchen and management.
Ineffective supervision: Inconsistent monitoring of kitchen operations.
Prioritized Solutions:
People: Strengthen staff training programs to ensure consistency in following recipes.
Processes: Implement SOPs for food preparation and regular quality checks to catch errors early.
Equipment: Invest in new kitchen equipment and schedule regular maintenance to avoid breakdowns.
Materials: Work with reliable suppliers for consistent ingredient quality and improve storage practices.
Environment: Optimize the kitchen layout for a smoother workflow and regulate storage temperatures.
Management: Improve communication between departments and enhance supervision to ensure quality control.
Benefits of the Fishbone Diagram
Holistic View: The Fishbone Diagram provides a full picture of all possible causes of a problem, helping teams gain a better understanding.
Improved Collaboration: It encourages collaboration across teams, ensuring input from different perspectives.
Structured Analysis: The organized format helps teams systematically explore all factors and find the most effective solutions.
How to Apply the Fishbone Diagram for Your Business Strategy
Step 1: Problem Statement
Clearly express the problem. Write it on the head of the diagram.
Step 2: Draw a Skeleton
Draw a horizontal line to represent the spine of the fish. Zigzag vertical lines–the bones–form the spine, and each column represents a category of causes.
Step 3: Identify Major Categories
Determine the major categories which could be the basis of the problem. The six most common categories are People, Processes, Equipment, Materials, Environment, and Management.
Step 4: Brainstorm Causes
For each type of cause, come up with possible causes of the problem. Apply the 5 Whys to each cause to drill deeper.
Step 5: Analyze and Prioritize
Look through the diagram that you have created to see which types of causes are most likely to have led to the problem. Focus on those causes that seem to contribute the most to the problem and do something about it.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Those
Oversimplification: Avoid overgeneralization in your root cause analysis. Provide specific information in the cause list.
Low Involvement: Involve the team members in the brainstorming session so that all perspectives are identified.
Ignoring Data: Data should be made use of while preparing the analysis. Judgment without any basis should be strictly avoided in the analysis.
Fishbone Diagram Best Practices
Facilitate Open Discussion: Enable the members of the team to discuss their thoughts and opinions freely and openly during the brainstorming sessions.
Use Data and Evidence: Your analysis must be supported by data so that the causes you outline are based on facts and not assumptions of any sort.
Iterate and Refine: Continue updating and refining the diagram as further information is obtained. This process helps to improve your understanding of the problem.
Ready to Apply The Fishbone Diagram for Your Business Strategy?
The fishbone diagram can be fruitful for businesses in tracing the problems back to their root causes.
Book a discovery call to explore how we can help you or your team become more innovative.