Root cause analysis is a key part of process improvement activities. It helps identify and eliminate the factors that cause waste, defects, errors, and reduced process efficiency.

It is a systematic, evidence-based method for uncovering the underlying causes of problems. Once these root causes are identified, truly effective solutions can be developed – solutions that prevent the issue from recurring. In contrast, actions taken without understanding the root causes often create additional waste and erode confidence in our problem-solving capabilities.

High-quality root cause analysis is also an essential component of another important Lean tool—the A3 form.

This video provides a detailed introduction to several root cause analysis methods, including the 5 Whys, the Fishbone Diagram, and the Pareto Chart.

After completing this course, you can continue with the following video tutorials:

• 7 Major Wastes (Muda) (in Lithuanian)
• Performance Management Indicators (in Lithuanian)
• Asaichi System (in Lithuanian)
• A3 Form ((in English)

Recommended reading for further developing your problem-solving and root cause analysis skills:

• „Root Cause Analysis: Improving Performance for Bottom-Line Results“ – Robert J. Latino, Kenneth C. Latino, Mark A. Latino,
• “Root Cause Analysis. Simplified Tools and Techniques” – Bjorn Andersen and Tom Fagerhaug,
• „Apollo Root Cause Analysis: A New Way of Thinking“ – Dean L. Gano.