Why Use a Structured
Problem Solving Process?
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by
Ray Mikulak |
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 A
structured approach to problem-solving helps build a common
language throughout an organization and improves
organizational effectiveness. That's because all
employees follow the same roadmap to solve problems. In
addition, by learning how to use the various problem-solving
tools and when and where to apply them, employees will
become more efficient problem-solvers. A standardized
problem-solving approach will help assure a focused problem definition, use
of data to find the true root cause of the problem, and a
realistic process for implementing a robust solution.
The bottom line is long-lasting results, not just a quick
fix.
Is the 8D
process the best problem-solving model? If your organization
is already successfully using a different model, by all
means, stick with what you are using! But if you have not
standardized on an approach, the 8D process is a good
choice. Most people find the 8D process straightforward and
easy to use. The 8Disciplines are: 1: Use a Team Approach,
2: Describe the Problem, 3: Interim Containment, 4: Define
the Root Causes, 5: Develop Solutions, 6: Implement the
Solution, 7: Prevent Recurrence and 8: Congratulate the
Team.
Why do I like
the 8D model? I especially like the attention the 8D
process draws to the 3rd and 8th disciplines. The 3rd
discipline, Interim Containment, is an implied step in many
models but problem-solvers may gloss over this important
step or skip it all together. I like the fact that Interim
Containment is a formal discipline in the 8D model.
After all, while it is crucial to ultimately take the time to find
the root cause of a problem, there is often a real business
need to immediately address a problem using a quick fix that
treats the symptom and not the root cause (what we call
"stopping the bleeding"). Likewise,
having a formal discipline (the 8th Discipline) to
congratulate the team is a plus; it is too easy to “forget”
to thank those that worked so hard to solve a problem in the
rush to close out the project and move on to the next one.
For more
information on Problem-Solving, please
visit our
Problem-Solving Resource Center.
Ray Mikulak
is president of Resource Engineering, Inc. You can
contact him at 800-810-8326 or 802-496-5888 or by e-mail. |
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Product
Focus from Carolyn Burke
8Discipline
Web- and Computer-Based Training |
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 Our
8D computer-based training program provides
comprehensive training in the 8Discipline
problem-solving process. With 8D Problem-Solving you
will not only learn a systematic way to tackle
problems but have access to tutorial on 48
problem-solving tools as well.
8D Problem-Solving has
two units: Getting Started and the 8Discipline
Process. The Getting Started unit focuses on the
importance of data in any problem-solving process
and the role of teams versus individuals (working
alone) in solving problems. In Unit 2, the
8Discipline Process, there are eight lessons, one
for each discipline.
At the end of each
unit, learners take the "Challenge" to test
their comprehension of the body of knowledge covered
in the unit. Want to try out a free lesson on 8D
Problem-Solving? Click
here.
Carolyn
Burke is Sr. Customer Service Representative.
She can be reached toll free directly at
866-791-1003 or by e-mail. |
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Ask
Robin
8D and DMAIC - What's the Difference? |
 One of the most frequent questions we get from people new to
Quality Improvement: What in the heck is the difference
between 8D and DMAIC problem-solving methods?
First let's talk about what the similarities are between 8D
and DMAIC. Both are step-by-step problem-solving methods.
The 8D Problem-Solving approach has...you guessed it...8
steps! DMAIC has just five phases, but they happen to make
up the acronym DMAIC - Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve,
and Control.
OK, so what are the differences between 8D and DMAIC? There
are probably people who would argue that there are LOTS of
differences between the two. But, as we see it, the biggest
difference is in Step 3 of the 8D process: Implement and
Verify Interim Containment.
There is not a comparable
explicit step in the DMAIC process. One downside to Interim
Containment is that it can give you a false sense that the
problem is solved and that you can move onto the next
problem. Interim Containment is typically a quick and dirty
band aid approach to addressing the symptoms of a problem
and not the root cause. But, the reality is that if a
business problem is serious enough, it merits a band aid to
"stop the bleeding." Then it is up to the team to complete
the rest of the 8D process including removing the
"band-aid" once the root cause is found and addressed.
Which is Best? 8D or DMAIC?
So, which method is best? Some would swear by 8D while
others would swear by DMAIC. Our thoughts are:
Anything is better than nothing!
Pick one approach or the other or select from one of the
many other structured problem-solving approaches that focus
on data collection, data analysis, and prevention of
recurrence.
Stick with the same approach throughout a corporation to
build a common understanding of the process and terminology
throughout the organization.
If necessary, alter the process to meet your organization's
needs, but don't cut out any of the steps in either process
- they are critical to getting to the root cause of a
problem.
Because many of the core elements of problem-solving are the
same, much of the information you learn about 8D
Problem-Solving will work
regardless of the specific problem-solving process.
Robin McDermott is director of
training for Resource Engineering, Inc. You can
contact her at 800-810-8326 or 802-496-5888 or by
e-mail. |
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FREE!
8D Problem-Solving Worksheet
Our 8D Problem Solving Worksheet will walk your team
through each of the steps of the 8D problem-solving
process. It serves as a handy reminder of each of the
steps and challenges team members throughout the process to
assure they are working toward an effective and lasting
solution to the problem. To download the 8D
Problem-Solving Worksheet, go to our
Problem-Solving Resource Center. In addition to
this worksheet you will find lots of other helpful forms and
checklists as well as a summary of each of the 48 most
frequently used Problem-Solving Tools and Techniques. |
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