The 5 x Why Method (The 5 Whys)
DESCRIPTION OF THE 5 WHY METHOD
The "5 x why" method has been developed by Toyota to perform an iterative Root Cause Analysis of production-related problems. The "5 x why" method is one of the available tools for performing a root-cause analysis. Its simple design and effective output made the 5 x why method also into a popular method used in Kaizen, Lean Production, Six Sigma, Value Stream Analysis, etc.
HOW DOES THE 5 X WHY METHOD WORK?
- IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM for which the root cause has to be identified.
- ASK: WHY has this problem arisen? The result is a reply with a new or different problem.
- KEEP ASKING: WHY? Take the first answer (or problem) and reformulate the question: Where has this issue has arisen? Repeat these steps until you arrive at the core (root-cause) of the issue/problem.
 USING THE 5 WHYS. APPLICATIONS
The 5 x Whys can be used for several things:
- VALIDATING ASSUMPTIONS: It is a simple tool that helps the Belt to unearth an assumption embedded in the process he/she is investigating. Once an assumption is revealed and of course also tested with data, it ensures excellent results.
- DETERMINING ROOT CAUSES: However 5 x Why is more used in determining the Root Cause(s) of problems
This technique is most used in the Analyze phase of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). The 5 x Whys doesn’t involve a statistical hypothesis and in many cases can be completed without a data collection plan.
- FINDING NON-VALUE ADD ACTIVITIES: The 5 Whys can also be used as a tool in Value Stream Analysis. Value stream mapping is as we know hard work because it requires looking at a process as if every step is non-value-added and is costing the organization time and resources. The 5 Whys is an easy way to root out as many non-value-added steps as possible.
IS ASKING “WHY?” 5 TIMES ENOUGH?
Often you need to ask 6, 7 and even sometimes 8 x Why to find the real root cause of the problem. Perhaps a better name would be "Multiple Why’s Method".
EXAMPLE OF 5 WHYS
An excellent example of 5 x Why is the Jefferson Memorial by Juran Institute.
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You Can Use 1 Why or 5 Whys or Multiple Whys
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VILMA JOY VALLE, Philippines
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Methods of Iterative Root Cause Analysis
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