8 Step Problem Solving - Lean Six Sigma Glossary

The 8 step Problem Solving approach, often attributed to Toyota, is a structured and systematic method for identifying, analysing, and solving problems in a way that promotes continuous improvement. The approach emphasises involving all relevant stakeholders in the problem-solving process and focuses on the root cause of the problem, rather than treating just its symptoms.

The 8 steps in this Problem Solving approach are:

Clarify the problem
Breakdown the problem
Set the target
Analyse the root cause
Develop Countermeasures
Implement Countermeasures
Monitor results and process
Standardise and share success

Below is the brief description of each of these 8 step problem solving approach.

Clarify the Problem

The first step is to clearly define the problem and its scope. This includes identifying the problem in measurable terms, such as a reduction in quality or an increase in costs, and determining the impact of the problem on the organisation.

Breakdown the Problem

The second step is to break down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts. This ensures that we consider all aspects of the problem, and helps to identify potential causes.

Set the Target

The third step is to establish a target to measure the effectiveness of the solution against. This includes setting a goal for the problem resolution and determining the success criteria.

Analyse the Root Cause

The fourth step is to identify the root cause of the problem by using techniques such as the 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams. This step is critical in identifying the underlying cause of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Develop Countermeasures

The fifth step is to develop countermeasures to address the root cause of the problem. The team should determine the most appropriate course of action based on the findings from the previous steps and develop a detailed plan for implementation.

Implement Countermeasures

The sixth step is to implement the identified countermeasures. The team should ensure that the countermeasures are fully integrated into the process and that the necessary changes are made to prevent the problem from recurring.

Monitor Results and Process

The seventh step is to monitor the results of the countermeasures to ensure that the problem has been resolved and that the goals established in step 3 have been met. The team should also monitor the process to ensure that the problem does not recur.

Standardise and Share Success

The final step is to standardise the process and share the success with others. This includes documenting the problem, the solution, and the results, and sharing the knowledge with other teams to promote continuous improvement.

Key Aspects of 8 Step Problem Solving Approach

One of the key strengths of the 8 step Problem Solving approach is its focus on root cause analysis. By identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the problem, organizations can effectively resolve issues and prevent them from recurring. This approach can help organizations to reduce costs, improve performance and enhance customer satisfaction.

The 8 step Problem Solving approach also promotes teamwork, effective communication and knowledge sharing. By involving all relevant stakeholders, organizations can ensure that the problem is thoroughly understood and that the solution takes into account the different perspectives of all parties involved. This approach also encourages sharing information and best practices in order to promote continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

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Applicability and Benefits of 8 Step Problem Solving Approach

The 8 step Problem Solving approach is not only useful for production process but also for any type of process, it can be adapted to any industry and any type of organisation. Any organisation can effectively use this 8 Step Problem Solving approach to improve internal processes, customer service, and overall performance.

These 8 steps helps organizations to throughly understand, address adn prevent problems from happening again. The approach promotes teamwork, effective communication and knowledge sharing, and can help organizations to reduce costs, improve performance and enhance customer satisfaction. It is a well-established method that has been proven to be successful in various types of organizations and industries. The approach encourages continuous improvement by standardising and sharing success with others. The 8 step problem solving approach is one of the fundamental aspect of Toyota Production System and is used to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the production process.

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Sachin Naik

Passionate about improving processes and systems | Lean Six Sigma practitioner, trainer and coach for 14+ years consulting giant corporations and fortune 500 companies on Operational Excellence | Start-up enthusiast | Change Management and Design Thinking student | Love to ride and drive