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Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Process Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Operations
Process Mapping
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Purposedifferent
For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description.With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots.For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly.For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumHighHigh
Timedifferent
15-30 min1-3 h1-6 Wochen2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
2-63-104-103-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresProcess Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action PlanFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
ProcessOperationsImprovement
QualityProblem solvingRoot cause
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
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