Root Cause Analysis is a method to focus our efforts on the true “Root Causes” of escapes, so that we truly prevent their reoccurrence. Root Cause Analysis helps us reduce turn backs and frustration, maintain customer satisfaction, and reduce costs significantly. Each problem is an opportunity. It contains the information needed to eliminate the problem. But to identify the root cause, we have to ask “Why?” over and over, until we reach it. Root Cause Analysis is a method that is used to address a problem or non-conformance, in order to get to the “root cause” of the problem. It is used so we can correct or eliminate the cause, and prevent the problem from recurring.

Traditional applications of Root Cause Analysis

Resolution of customer complaints and returns.

Disposition of non-conforming material (Scrap and Repair) via the Material Review process.

Corrective action plans resulting from internal and customer audits.

Root Cause is the fundamental breakdown or failure of a process which, when resolved, prevents a recurrence of the problem. In other words For a particular product problem, Root Cause is the factor that, when you fix it, the problem goes away and doesn’t come back. Root Cause Analysis is a systematic approach to get to the true root causes of our process problems.

Each problem is an opportunity (“golden nugget”) because it can tell a story about why and how it occurred. It is critical that everyone take a personal and active role in improving quality. The “true” problem must be understood before action is taken. Problems are often masked for a variety of reasons

To do this well, we must be

Both focused and open-minded

Both patient and quick

Above all, we must be relentless

Symptom Approach

“Errors are often a result of worker carelessness.”

“We need to train and motivate workers to be more careful.”

“We don’t have the time or resources to really get to the bottom of this problem.”

Root Cause

“Errors are the result of defects in the system. People are only part of the process.”

“We need to find out why this is happening, and implement mistake-proofs so it won’t happen again.”

“This is critical. We need to fix it for good, or it will come back and burn us.”


Said simply, Root Cause Analysis is asking why the problem occurred, and then continuing to ask why that happened until we reach the fundamental process element that failed



John is the author of this article on CAPA. Find more information, about Corrective Action Preventive Action here