TEMPLATE
Root cause analysis: Word template
Use this template to take a manufacturing incident from the timeline and evidence to a verified cause and an effectiveness check.
Download the template
What is in the template
Each hypothesis gets evidence for and against it, and occurrence and non-detection are traced on separate paths. For a single why chain, the 5 Whys template is enough.
- Problem scope, containment and a timestamped event timeline
- Hypothesis register with evidence for and against each cause
- Separate occurrence and non-detection paths
- Cause verification, actions, effectiveness check and a filled example
Who it is for
Who the root cause analysis template is for
The template is for quality engineers and problem solving teams who need to take a manufacturing incident from the first evidence to a verified cause. It suits incidents with several possible causes, where a single why chain is not enough.
How to work with the root cause analysis template
- 1
Scope and contain
Describe the problem, record containment and build a timestamped timeline of events.
- 2
Test hypotheses
Enter each possible cause in the hypothesis register with the evidence for and against it.
- 3
Verify and act
Trace occurrence and non-detection separately, verify the cause and close with actions and an effectiveness check.
What makes a root cause analysis hold up
The timeline comes first
A precise sequence of events often shows what changed shortly before the incident. It narrows the hypotheses before the discussion starts.
Evidence against counts as much as evidence for
A hypothesis that only collects supporting facts is easily confirmed by mistake. The column for contrary evidence keeps the team honest.
Verification before action
A cause counts as verified when switching it on and off reproduces or removes the effect. Actions on unverified causes often cost time without effect.
Further reading
Download the root cause analysis template
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