What are the steps for 8D (Eight Disciplines) Problem Solving?
Below is a detailed “walk-through” of the steps involved in the 8D process. We also have more infomation on 8D problem solving at the following links;
Step 1 - Select the team - It is important to establish a cross functional team for 8D success. Members should include individuals with the necessary product and process knowledge required to address the particular problem and implement solutions.
Step 2 - Describe the problem - The more clearly you describe the problem, the more likely you are to resolve it. There are many questions that must be answered. Where and when did the problem first occur? How often does the problem occur? What population is impacted by the problem? What is the scope and exposure of the problem? What data and documents are available that might help you define the problem more clearly and in measurable terms? Key with the problem statement is that it not contain solutions or conclusions. We will solve the problem later. First we must state it effectively
Step 3 - Implement and verify interim containment measures - In this phase, we want to determine the extent of the problem and contain it. It is important to reduce or eliminate a customer’s risk of experiencing the problem by quickly implementing safeguards. Time is of the essence! The goal is to minimize the impact on your customers.
Step 4 - Define and verify root causes - Perform the necessary failure analysis and investigation needed to determine the root cause of the problem. It is extremely important to rapidly pursue the source of the problem until all root causes are discovered. There are many tools that can help with this process.
Step 5 - Identify and verify corrective actions – Now that the root cause of the problem has been determined, it is time to identify the appropriate corrective actions. There may be multiple actions required in various processes to eliminate the occurrence of the defect. Corrective actions should be tested and validated with a suitable sample size and should represent conditions as close to “real” as possible. The team should be able to demonstrate the capability of turning on and turning off the defect in the process.
Step 6 - Implement permanent corrective actions – An implementation plan for the corrective action must be defined and executed. When implementing any change it is important to have a continuous feedback loop in place.
Step 7 - Prevent Recurrence – During this phase, similar products, processes and systems must be checked and corrected to ensure that all processes are updated to ensure prevention of recurrence. Control charts are an excellent tool to use to help prevent recurrence of the problem.
Step 8 - Recognize the team and report out to customers - When your issue is fixed, don't you want your customers to know that not only is it fixed, but it will never happen again? Let them know in this step. Additionally, management should acknowledge the good work done by the 8D team.
One of the great benefits of using 8D is that it prevents something called firefighting. Firefighting, in the business world, refers to waiting for a problem to arise, then rushing around in panic mode to fix it. In 2006, I had a long talk with an organization (who will remain nameless of course) regarding firefighting. Their VP was a huge proponent of firefighting and I spent a very long time debating the inherent risks of this with him. I emphasized that having employees take our on-line 8D training course (which only takes one hour to complete) would provide them with the tools to avoid being placed in the firefighting mode. Opinions were tossed back and forth but this VP insisted he would continue to firefight because, in his words "Taking all the extra time required to train my people in 8D would be a waste. And besides, I enjoy firefighting. It adds an element of fun to my job." That was back in 2006 when the economy was great and almost all companies were booming. Since our conversation in 2006, I have watched that company’s stock price drop from $20 a share down to about 15 cents a share. I can’t help but believe that had this company embraced the 8D methodology instead of “firefighting”, it could have remained competitive.
Launsby Consulting offers a variety of tools on 8D Problem Solving.
Launsby Consulting has been an industry leader in teaching 8D since 1991. To view our partial client list, just click here.
|
