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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