8-Step Problem Solving Process (2024)

Step 1:Define the Problem

  • What is the problem?
  • How did you discover the problem?
  • When did the problem start and how long has this problem been going on?
  • Is there enough data available to contain the problem and prevent it from gettingpassed to the next process step? If yes, contain the problem.

Step 2: Clarify the Problem

  • What data is available or needed to help clarify, or fully understand the problem?
  • Is it a top priority to resolve the problem at this point in time?
  • Are additional resources required to clarify the problem? If yes, elevate theproblem to your leader to help locate the right resources and form a team.
  • Consider a Lean Event (Do-it, Burst, RPI, Project).
  • ∙Ensure the problem is contained and does not get passed to the next process step.

Step 3: Define the Goals

  • What is your end goal or desired future state?
  • What will you accomplish if you fix this problem?
  • What is the desired timeline for solving this problem?

Step 4: Identify Root Cause of the Problem

  • Identify possible causes of the problem.
  • Prioritize possible root causes of the problem.
  • What information or data is there to validate the root cause?

Step 5: Develop Action Plan

  • Generate a list of actions required to address the root cause and prevent problemfrom getting to others.
  • Assign an owner and timeline to each action.
  • Status actions to ensure completion.

Step 6:Execute Action Plan

  • Implement action plan to address the root cause.
  • Verify actions are completed.

Step 7:Evaluate the Results

  • Monitor and Collect Data.
  • Did you meet your goals defined in step 3? If not, repeatthe 8-Step Process.
  • Were there any unforeseen consequences?
  • If problem is resolved, remove activities that were added previously to contain the problem.

Step 8:Continuously Improve

  • Look for additional opportunities to implement solution.
  • Ensure problem will not come back and communicate lessons learned.
  • If needed, repeat the 8-Step Problem Solving Process to drive further improvements.
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8-Step Problem Solving Process (2024)

FAQs

8-Step Problem Solving Process? ›

This process is an expansion of the Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA) cycle. Steps one through five are part of the planning process, step six is the doing process, step seven is the checking process, and step eight is the acting part of the cycle.

What is the 8 problem-solving cycle? ›

This process is an expansion of the Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA) cycle. Steps one through five are part of the planning process, step six is the doing process, step seven is the checking process, and step eight is the acting part of the cycle.

What are 8 problem-solving? ›

The eight-step problem-solving process is an expanded version of the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle. The first five steps of the 8-step process fall under the planning step, while steps six, seven and eight all correspond to the do, check and act steps.

What are the 8 steps of Kaizen? ›

The eight cycles performed on Kaizen implementation are (i) Determination of theme, (ii) Targeting, (iii) Analysis of current conditions and problem-causing analysis, (iv) Root cause analysis of the problem, (v) Improvement plan, (vi) Implementation of the improvement, (vii) Evaluate the results, (viii) Standardization ...

What 8 a series of steps designed to help you solve problems and answer questions? ›

A series of steps designed to help you solve problem and answer questions is called a scientific method.

What is the 8 discipline model? ›

Eight Disciplines Methodology (8D) is a method or model developed at Ford Motor Company used to approach and to resolve problems, typically employed by quality engineers or other professionals. Focused on product and process improvement, its purpose is to identify, correct, and eliminate recurring problems.

What is the 8 disciplines 8D approach to problem-solving? ›

8 Disciplines (8D) is a problem-solving methodology that is designed for the identification of a problem, tracing its root cause, creating a temporary fix, implementing a long-term solution to correct the problem, and finally developing a proactive approach to generate preventive actions.

What is the Toyota Principle 8? ›

Use only reliable, thoroughly tested technology that serves your people and processes. «Society has reached the point where one can push a button and be immediately deluged with technical and managerial information.

What are the Kaizen problem-solving tools? ›

Some prominent Kaizen problem-solving tools include the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) Cycle, 5 Whys technique, Fishbone diagram (Ishikawa diagram), Gemba walks, Pareto analysis, and Value stream mapping .

What is a Gemba walk? ›

A Gemba Walk is a workplace walkthrough which aims to observe employees, ask about their tasks, and identify productivity gains. Gemba Walk is derived from the Japanese word “Gemba” or “Gembutsu” which means “the real place”, so it is often literally defined as the act of seeing where the actual work happens.

What is Kaizen rule? ›

Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning change for the better or continuous improvement. It is a Japanese business philosophy that concerns the processes that continuously improve operations and involve all employees. Kaizen sees improvement in productivity as a gradual and methodical process.

What are the golden rule of Kaizen? ›

Kaizen starts with the three “actual” rule. Go to the actual place where the process is performed. Talk to the actual people involved in the process and get the real facts. Observe and chart the actual process.

What is Kaizen cycle? ›

Rooted in the principles of continuous improvement, the Kaizen cycle offers a structured approach to identifying, implementing, and sustaining positive changes within an organization. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of the Kaizen cycle, its key components, and how it fuels organizational success.

What are problem-solving cycles? ›

The problem-solving cycle is an approach to problem solving that includes clearly defined steps, which allow organizations, including schools, to implement a consistent approach to problem solving. Today, you will be presented with a scenario that illustrates all the steps in the problem-solving process.

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