Fishbone Diagrams for Consequential Problem-Solving

Step 2: Decide on Categories of Causes

The Fishbone tool forces you to think about the potential causes for the problem in several categories represented by the bones. The number will depend on the type and complexity of the problem.

You can choose categories that make sense for your project, but in manufacturing, the 6 Ms are often used. They include:

• Man - the people involved in the process
• Methods - the Standard Work by which the process is performed
• Machines - the equipment and tools needed for the process
• Materials - the raw inputs, parts, consumables, and so forth
• Measurements - the data that is used to evaluate process results
• Mother Nature (Environment) - the conditions under which the process is performed.

Another commonly used structure is the McKinsey 7S Framework, which includes Strategy, Structure, Systems, Shared Values, Skills, Style, and Staff. Marketers may go with the 4Ps of Marketing; Product, Place, Price, and Promotion.

Non-manufacturing process may include additional categories such as:

• Policy
• Product
• Technology
  
  

In our software call center abandon rate example, we’ll choose the categories of :

• People
• Product
• Technology
• Measurement
• Management
• Environment

Step 3: Brainstorm Potential Causes and Identify Roots

Now that the categories are defined, the team can go through each one and try to determine all the individual influences that can affect our results. Look at each type and list everything that falls within it.

If a potential cause sounds more like a symptom than the root of the matter, the 5 Whys technique can be used to ensure that bottom-line reasons are included. If a source cause supersedes a potential cause, it can be removed from the diagram, or you can use strikethrough to preserve it while moving on to the fundamental problem.

In this example, I’ve struck through “Low morale” as a potential cause because it is most likely a symptom of the lack of training and scheduling problems.

The Benefits of Digital Fishbone Diagrams

Back in the 1960s when the Fishbone Diagram was introduced, teams used paper to visualize their problem statement and possible causes. While that approach is acceptable for small groups working in the same space for a short period, it is not ideal for the way people work today.

That’s why KaiNexus has incorporated Fishbone Diagrams into our continuous improvement software platform. 

• The Fishbone Diagram is created and managed in the same platform you will use for implementing the changes once the analysis is complete.
• Information about your problem, the potential causes, and possible solutions are all collected for future review.
• Remote teams can be as effective as in-person ones.
• Roles and permissions can be applied to determine who can add access and edit Fishbones.
• Fishbone Diagrams can be used for Items, Projects, Improvements, Incidents, Tasks, and Charts. 
• Set up to 6 custom categories per diagram or reuse existing categories
• Highlight or strikethrough items

Using digital Fishbone Diagrams that are integrated with your improvement management software will help your team solve problems faster and accelerate the pace of positive change.

Fishbone Diagram Tips

The Fishbone diagram approach is not complicated, but you can do a few things to get the most out of it. We recommend:

• Use category names that are meaningful for your business. If “Methods” isn’t quite right, maybe “Procedures” is a better fit, for example.
• Don’t overload the categories. Create a new one if necessary. Likewise, don’t overcomplicate it; there’s no need to use six categories if four will do.
• Be careful not to add causes that are actually solutions.
• Prioritize your causes by keeping the most impactful ones closest to the “head”
• Use Fishbone Diagrams along with, not instead of, other problem-solving techniques such as The 5 Whys, A3s, process maps, and control charts.

KaiNexus is delighted to put one more digital improvement tool in the hands of our customers. If you’d like to know more about the impact of KaiNexus, one of our experts is available to help.