Root Cause Analyzer
Overview
The Root Cause Analyzer skill provides comprehensive capabilities for systematic root cause identification and verification. It supports multiple analysis methods including 5 Whys, Ishikawa diagrams, fault tree analysis, and statistical hypothesis testing.
Capabilities
- •5 Whys facilitation
- •Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram creation
- •Fault tree analysis (FTA)
- •Hypothesis formulation
- •Chi-square testing
- •Correlation analysis
- •Pareto chart generation
- •Root cause verification
Used By Processes
- •SIX-005: Root Cause Analysis
- •QMS-005: FMEA Facilitation
- •CI-002: A3 Problem Solving
Tools and Libraries
- •Cause analysis tools
- •Statistical testing libraries
- •Visualization platforms
- •Collaboration tools
Usage
yaml
skill: root-cause-analyzer
inputs:
problem_statement: "25% increase in customer complaints for product X"
analysis_method: "fishbone" # 5_whys | fishbone | fta | is_is_not
data:
defect_counts_by_category:
materials: 45
methods: 23
machines: 67
manpower: 12
measurement: 8
environment: 5
hypothesis_to_test: "Machine wear is causing increased defects"
outputs:
- root_cause_diagram
- potential_causes
- verified_root_causes
- pareto_analysis
- statistical_verification
- recommendations
Analysis Methods
5 Whys
Ask "Why?" iteratively to drill down to root cause:
- •Why did the problem occur?
- •Why did that happen?
- •Why did that happen?
- •Why did that happen?
- •Why did that happen?
Ishikawa (Fishbone) Categories
- •Man (Manpower) - Training, skills, fatigue
- •Machine - Equipment, tools, technology
- •Method - Procedures, processes, policies
- •Material - Raw materials, consumables
- •Measurement - Inspection, calibration
- •Mother Nature (Environment) - Temperature, humidity, conditions
Fault Tree Analysis
- •Top event (undesired outcome)
- •AND gates (all inputs required)
- •OR gates (any input sufficient)
- •Basic events (root causes)
Verification Techniques
| Technique | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Chi-square test | Categorical data relationships |
| Correlation analysis | Continuous variable relationships |
| Regression | Predictive relationships |
| Designed experiments | Controlled cause-effect testing |
| Pareto analysis | Vital few vs. trivial many |
Integration Points
- •Quality Management Systems
- •Corrective action systems
- •Statistical analysis tools
- •Knowledge management systems