Problem Solving

PROCESS FOR PROBLEM SOLVING
8 STEPS
STEP 1 CLARIFY THE PROBLEM 1. 2. 3. 4.

PROCEEDINGS
Clarify the “Ultimate Goal” of your responsibilities and work. Clarify the “IdealSituation” of your work. Clarify the “Current Situation” or your work. Visualize the gap between “Current Situation” and the “Ideal Situation”. Break down the problem. Select the problemto purpose. Specify the point of cause by checking the process through GENCHI GENBUTSU.

STEP 2 BREAK DOWN THE PROBLEM

1. 2. 3.

P L A N
STEP 4 ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS 1. 2. 3.STEP 5 DEVELOP COUNTERMEASURES

STEP 3 TARGET SETTING

1. 2.

Make the commitment. Set measurable, concrete, and challenging targets.

Consider causes by imagining theactual situation where the problem occurs. Based on facts gathered through GENCHI GENBUTSU keep asking “Why? Specify the root cause.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Develop as many potentialcountermeasures as possible. Narrow down the countermeasures to the most practical and effective. Build consensus with others. Create a clear and detailed action-plan. Quickly and as ateam, implement countermeasures. Share progress by following the correct reporting, informing, and consulting. Never give up, and proceed to the next step quickly.

D O

STEP 6 SEECOUNTERMEASURES THROUGH

1. 2. 3.

C H E C K

STEP 7 MONITOR BOTH RESULTS AND PROCESSES

1. 2. 3.

Evaluate the overall results and the process used, then share theevaluation with involved members. Evaluate from the three key viewpoints: the customer’s, the company’s, and your own. Understand the factors behind the success or failure.

A C TSTEP 8 STANDARDIZE SUCCESSFUL PROCESSES

1. 2. 3.

Structure the successful processes (STANDARDIZE). Share the new precedent through YOKOTEN Start the next round of Kaizen.