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Quality Management (QMS) 13 items

Root Cause Analysis Checklist (5-Why & Fishbone)

A checklist for structured root cause analysis using 5-Why and Ishikawa (fishbone) methods, verifying problem definition, causal chains, verification, and corrective action linkage.

ISO 9001:2015AIAG-VDA

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Problem Definition

  • Is the problem clearly and objectively described (what, where, when, extent)? *
  • Is the problem quantified with data (magnitude, frequency, trend)? *
  • Has containment/interim action been taken to protect the customer? *
  • Problem / issue reference *

5-Why Analysis

  • Was the 5-Why applied to reach a systemic root cause (not stopping at symptoms)? *
  • Does the causal chain read logically in reverse (therefore) without gaps? *
  • Were separate 5-Why paths run for occurrence, detection, and systemic (escape) causes?

Fishbone (Ishikawa) Analysis

  • Were causes brainstormed across the relevant categories (e.g., 6M: Man, Machine, Method, Material, Measurement, Environment)? *
  • Were potential causes prioritized for investigation? *

Verification & Corrective Action

  • Was each suspected root cause verified with data or testing before acceptance? *
  • Is the corrective action linked to the verified root cause(s)? *
  • Was the effectiveness of the corrective action verified after implementation? *
  • Were lessons learned shared to similar processes/products (read-across)?

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