The Ishikawa diagram is an extremely powerful tool for root cause analysis, and can be used in a wide variety of situations.

In the example below, the buyer failure to create a purchase order and accounting's backlog delay payment, but supplier management don't seem to have an impact. Under people you would list everyone involved in the payment process and then establish if they contribute to the problem. For example, let's say you need to reduce the time it takes to pay your suppliers invoices. Under each category add sub 'bones' for each activity, element, tool or person involved and think about what causes might be present. This is where the fishbone diagram comes into its own, as it provides a structure to help you systematically eliminate potential contributing factors until you identify the root cause of the problem. Once you have identified all of the potential causes, you can start to investigate which ones are actually contributing to the problem. For example, if you are investigating a problem with a product that you manufacture, the management category would include the decisions that were made about the design of the product, as well as the production quotas that were set. This includes the policies, decisions and actions of management. For example, if you are investigating a problem with a product that you manufacture, the measurement category would include the gauges and instruments used to measure the dimensions of the product. This includes the tools and methods that are used to measure something. For example, if you are investigating a problem with a product that you manufacture, the environment category would include the temperature and humidity of the factory, as well as the lighting conditions. This includes the physical conditions under which something is made or done. For example, if you are investigating a problem with a product that you manufacture, the materials category would include the types of materials used to make the product. This includes the raw materials, parts and components that are used to make a product. For example, if you are investigating a problem with a product that you manufacture, the methods category would include the steps in the manufacturing process. This includes the processes and procedures that are used to make or do something. For example, if you are investigating a problem with a product that you manufacture, the people category would include the workers who make the product, as well as the designers and engineers who created it. This could include training, skills, experience or knowledge. There are typically six main categories of causes:

These will be the ‘bones’ that branch off from the main spine. Next, you need to identify all of the potential causes of the problem. This will be the main ‘spine’ of your diagram. Then, you draw a large bone shape on a piece of paper or whiteboard. First, you need to identify the problem or issue that you want to investigate.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) ChecklistĬreating an Ishikawa diagram is a simple process.

Highlighting tasks in Microsoft Project.

Ishikawa diagram template