Lean Six Sigma and Root Cause Analysis?

Apollo Vice President Brian Hughes and I recently attended the American Society for Quality's 2009 World Conference on Quality and Improvement in Minneapolis.  While hosting the Apollo booth, we had many conversations with fellow conference attendees.  One subject that seemed to keep coming up was the fact that the majority of Lean and Six Sigma initiatives are inherently lacking in the Root Cause Analysis aspect of their improvement programs.  Many admitted to be still using the 5-Why's or the Fishbone techniques.  Almost all admitted that these techniques are inadequate at best, and even irresponsible in many cases.  Most folks agreed that their programs, as well as their entire organizations would benefit from a more advanced RCA methodology.

If it is common knowledge (as it would seem from talking to folks at the ASQ conference) that organizations need a more robust RCA process to prevent problem recurrence and help realize their potential, then why don't more organizations take the initiative to implement a powerful RCA program?  What are the barriers to this, and how can they be overcome?  I would be interested in hearing your perspective, whether you have already overcome these barriers to implement a successful RCA program, or if you are just beginning the process.

I look forward to your feedback!

Posted by: Cory Boisoneau | May 28 2009

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