The fish one analysis is a simple and visual tool that helps pinpoint the root cause of a problem. It is easy to develop and read. It shows the interaction between various elements of a process. It provides additional insights into the process.
The entire kaizen team should participate in this exercise. This exercise is very effective when done on a whiteboard using Post-It notes.
Steps:
– Determine and define the problem you are trying to solve.
– Fill in the problem box and draw a backbone.
– Identify the main causes.
– Write each cause on a separate Post-It note and place it well above or below the backbone, spacing them well apart.
– Draw a line (rib) connecting the Post-It note to the backbone.
– For each cause, identify factors that may be the cause of the problem.
– Write them on separate lines connected to the rib.
– If a factor applies to more than one cause, write it on both cause ribs.
– Identify more detailed levels of causes and put them under related causes.
Once the diagram is finished, analyze the diagram to identify possible root causes.
What to look for in a fishbone diagram:
– Look at the symmetry of the diagram. Is the detail similar for most of the causes?
– A large cluster of factors under one cause may be an indicator that you need to examine that cause in more detail.
– A cause with only a few factors might need to be reexamined to determine if there are any additional factors.
– If one factor appears over and over, that factor may be a root cause.
– Determine a specific quantifiable metric for each cause so any changes made can be evaluated.
– Identify the causes that you can action.