Problem Identification & Definition
- What problem are we observing today?
- When was the problem first detected?
- Where in the process does it occur?
- How frequently does it occur?
- What is the impact on quality?
- What is the impact on cost?
- What is the impact on delivery?
- What is the impact on safety?
- What is the impact on morale?
- Is the problem clearly defined?
- Are we describing facts or opinions?
- What data supports the problem?
- What is the baseline performance?
- What changed recently?
- What did not change but should have?
- Is this a new or recurring problem?
- Has this occurred before?
- How severe is the problem?
- Who is affected by it?
- Who detected the problem?
Symptom vs Root Cause
- Are we addressing symptoms or causes?
- What evidence supports the identified cause?
- What happens if this factor is removed?
- What assumptions are being made?
- Are multiple causes interacting?
- What is the earliest point the problem appears?
- What allowed the problem to escape detection?
- Is the cause within our control?
- What proof do we have?
- Have we verified the cause?
- What data disproves our hypothesis?
- Are we jumping to conclusions?
- Are we blaming people or systems?
- What process failed?
- What control failed?
- What standard was not followed?
- Why was it not followed?
- Why was deviation possible?
- What allowed the deviation to persist?
- What is the true root cause?
Process Analysis
- Is the process documented?
- Is the documentation current?
- Is the process followed as designed?
- Where does variation occur?
- Which step is most fragile?
- Where is rework happening?
- Where do delays occur?
- Are handoffs clearly defined?
- Are responsibilities clear?
- Are inputs clearly specified?
- Are outputs clearly defined?
- Are process limits known?
- Is the process capable?
- Is the process stable?
- What constraints exist?
- Where is waste generated?
- Are approvals causing delays?
- Is work standardized?
- Are exceptions frequent?
- Is the process designed for prevention?
People & Skills
- Are roles clearly defined?
- Do people understand expectations?
- Is training adequate?
- Is retraining needed?
- Are skills matched to tasks?
- Is workload reasonable?
- Is fatigue a factor?
- Are errors easy to make?
- Are errors easy to detect?
- Are work instructions clear?
- Are instructions accessible?
- Is supervision adequate?
- Is feedback timely?
- Are people empowered to stop issues?
- Is accountability clear?
- Are incentives aligned?
- Is there fear of reporting issues?
- Is communication effective?
- Are lessons learned shared?
- Is behavior reinforcing the problem?
Tools, Equipment & Technology
- Are tools fit for purpose?
- Is equipment reliable?
- Is maintenance adequate?
- Are calibration standards followed?
- Are systems integrated?
- Is data accurate?
- Is data timely?
- Is data visible to users?
- Are alerts effective?
- Are tools easy to use?
- Are manual workarounds used?
- Why are workarounds needed?
- Is automation reliable?
- Are system limits known?
- Is technology creating complexity?
- Are upgrades managed properly?
- Are failures predictable?
- Is redundancy adequate?
- Are interfaces confusing?
- Is technology enabling or blocking performance?
Environment & Conditions
- Does the physical environment contribute?
- Is layout efficient?
- Are safety risks present?
- Is lighting adequate?
- Is noise a factor?
- Is temperature affecting work?
- Is space sufficient?
- Are materials easy to access?
- Are materials labeled correctly?
- Are storage conditions appropriate?
- Are external factors influencing outcomes?
- Are suppliers involved?
- Is demand variability an issue?
- Are schedules realistic?
- Are priorities clear?
- Are interruptions frequent?
- Are emergencies driving behavior?
- Is multitasking required?
- Are conditions consistent across shifts?
- Are environmental risks controlled?
Strategic Alignment
- Does this problem affect strategic goals?
- Is this linked to customer satisfaction?
- Is leadership aware?
- Is this a known risk?
- Is this problem prioritized correctly?
- Are we optimizing locally?
- Are trade-offs understood?
- Is strategy clearly communicated?
- Is execution aligned with strategy?
- Are KPIs driving wrong behavior?
- Is performance measured correctly?
- Are targets realistic?
- Is short-term thinking dominating?
- Is prevention valued?
- Are resources aligned to priorities?
- Is decision-making timely?
- Are decisions data-driven?
- Is ownership clear?
- Are escalations effective?
- Is learning part of the strategy?
Countermeasures
- What countermeasures are proposed?
- Do they address root causes?
- Are they feasible?
- Are they simple?
- Are responsibilities assigned?
- Are deadlines defined?
- Are risks assessed?
- Are unintended consequences considered?
- Is training required?
- Are standards updated?
- Are controls built into the process?
- Are visual controls used?
- Is automation appropriate?
- Are checks redundant or necessary?
- Are controls sustainable?
- Are countermeasures documented?
- Are stakeholders involved?
- Is approval required?
- Is implementation tracked?
- Is follow-up planned?
Verification & Effectiveness
- How will effectiveness be measured?
- What metric will change?
- When will we review results?
- Has performance improved?
- Is variation reduced?
- Did new issues appear?
- Are controls being followed?
- Are audits needed?
- Are results sustained?
- Is the problem eliminated?
- Has recurrence occurred?
- Why or why not?
- Are lessons documented?
- Are standards reinforced?
- Is retraining required?
- Are best practices shared?
- Is replication possible?
- Has risk been reduced?
- Is confidence high?
- Is verification objective?
Learning, Prevention & Culture
- What did we learn?
- What surprised us?
- What assumptions were wrong?
- How can we prevent recurrence?
- Can this happen elsewhere?
- Where else does this risk exist?
- Are preventive controls in place?
- Is early detection improved?
- Is knowledge shared?
- Is behavior changing?
- Are leaders reinforcing learning?
- Is problem-solving consistent?
- Is root-cause thinking improving?
- Are issues raised earlier?
- Is accountability strengthened?
- Is trust improving?
- Is the system more resilient?
- Are we better prepared next time?
- Is this now a standard practice?
- What is the next problem we should prevent?
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.