Root Cause Analysis (RCA) refers to a highly rigorous and disciplined methodology used to determine the most probable root cause of an undesired event, resulting in long-term defect elimination and the possibility of permanent solutions. It is a rigorous fact-based methodology that can contribute to significant long-term permanent performance improvement. Recent studies in the petrochemical industry indicate that the average return on investment of a successful RCA engagement is 2,000 percent.

Benefits

Why would an organization dedicate the resources to a causal analysis effort? RCA investigations into a range of problems across several industries have delivered very clear benefits:

  • Effective solutions — Solutions based on an understanding of cause are far more effective than more traditional / quick fix approaches. The problem tends to stay fixed. Additional savings are gathered from not executing expensive repairs that later prove to be ineffective. In well-documented cases, the savings to a facility were 1000 times greater than the cost of the investigation.
  • Solutions to related problems — Solutions developed from a causal analysis basis are designed to break a causal chain at a deep level. This chain is often related to other problems within a facility.
  • Organizational learning — Properly executed, the causal analysis process can reveal systemic problems located deep within the way an organization operates. Shared understanding of those problems can lead to benefits within many parts of an organization.
  • Problem solving skills development — Participants in causal analysis investigation almost always report an improvement in their ability to analyze problems in their regular work. Use of the process across an organization can enhance the overall problem solving skills of the organization.

Methodology

Root Cause Analysis is based on a number of key analytical concepts and principles. These concepts include establishing success conditions, cause/effect relationship, data quality, logical rigor, analytical depth (complexity, concurrency, and invisibility), human systems, and risk analysis. RCA utilizes special analytical tools like data inventories, timelines, grouping and separating, and causal analysis.

The Stratos, LLC approach to RCA methodology combines in-depth consulting interventions with training and equipping the client organization's cross-functional work team to complete a rigorous and disciplined RCA process. A specific performance improvement objective is targeted and the Root Cause Analysis team is trained "on-line" while working on the "real world" problem(s). Once the Root Cause Analysis team has completed its first assignment, they will be equipped to handle other assignments with limited outside consulting intervention.

This integrated approach ensures that the training is linked directly to the business objectives of the organization and generates the support necessary to be successful. Our approach provides your people with "just-enough" knowledge and "just-in-time" skills to achieve their objectives through immediate application to a "real world" problem.

The ideal RCA team should be cross-functional with minimal reliance on "experts." Management must have clearly established the Conditions for Success for the team by clearly identifying boundaries for the investigation. RCA teams learn to plan, analyze, integrate information, and take action using a four-phase process:

Phase I: Problem Identification
Phase II: Problem Description
Phase III: Cause Analysis
Phase IV: Solution Development

Solution Development is usually executed as a separate process utilizing a different team. A Stratos consultant guides the RCA team through the process. Upon completion of an initial investigation, teams and individuals will have learned...

  • The rigor and discipline required to identify root cause(s) in complex situations.
  • How to challenge existing beliefs without "attacking" individuals on a personal level.
  • How personal bias and experiences can influence our perception of facts.
  • How to document the findings in a final report that will lead to long-term problem solutions.
  • This experience will serve as a guide to implement Root Cause Analysis with other targeted objectives.