Lean Strategies International
Menu

Listen to the Gemba

Would you like to submit a post on Listen to the Gemba?  
Click Here to Submit Your Continuous Improvement Post!

The Fishbone Diagram (7 basic quality tools)

2/3/2021

0 Comments

 
Fishbone Diagram
Click here to enroll in the Fish Methodology.
  The fishbone diagram, cause and effect, or ishikawa diagram is one of the most common quality tools used today.  Best known by its resemblance to a fish's body the fishbone diagram is used to show the many possible causes for an effect. The tool is used to help coordinating brainstorming in an effort to discover root causes.
  The ishikawa diagram was founded in 1968 by Kaoru Ishikawa.  Dr. Ishikawa pioneered a major quality movement while working at Kawasaki.  One of the fundamental tools he used on many of his projects was the ishikawa diagram.  The tool is still used today by many different industries and has proved its worth on many different levels.
  One of the most common mistakes made with the Ishikawa diagram is the belief that there are set categories for each of the branches.  Although the 6M fishbone and the 8M fishbone are globally recognized as the standard for manufacturing, transactional processes often utilize a 7P fishbone diagram. Ultimately the categories are based on the team's agreement with possible categories that might be related to the problem that is being analyzed.  
  The fishbone diagram is commonly paired with the 5 why analysis in order to drill down to the root cause.  Here is a general process that you can follow to conduct a root cause analysis.  
  1. Step 1 - Clearly define your effect or the problem you are trying to solve. Some examples of the effect maybe quality issues that aren't meeting a standard or a particular process that does not meet the required metrics.  This can take a bit of practice as often times the initial problem may not be revealed right away.  
  2. Step 2 - Once you have clearly defined a problem and gained consensus from any team member who might be involved it is now time to start building the "bones" of our fish.  These are the categories that we talked about earlier on.  As a reminder the 6M or 8M fish bones are widely accepted in manufacturing, the 7P is commonly used in transnational or marketing situations and the final type of ishikawa diagram is the 5S diagram.  Please remember though, no fishbone diagram is set in stone so your team should pick the most appropriate categories for the problem you are trying to solve.
  3. Step 3 - The next step is to begin brainstorming with your team.  The brainstorming will be focused on identifying possible causes that are associated with the effect.  If a cause is identified and the team agrees on the cause, draw a line on the appropriate categories/bone and label the cause.  After it has been placed under the appropriate category it will then be time to start "digging."​
  4. Step 4 - Though the 5 whys are not exactly a part of the cause and effect diagram, the two work together quite effectively.  Once all the possible causes are in the appropriate category begin asking why.  A good practice is to ask the individual that identified the problem why did that happen?  Then wait for the answer (at the gemba if possible). Once you have received the answer ask why again until you have reached the "root cause."

  There are many different ways of using the fishbone diagram but the 4 steps above should help you get started. Remember, you can enroll in the FISH Methodology course and begin using this powerful tool right away. ​
Challenge:
  Have you used the fishbone diagram before?  In the comments section below, share your most valuable tip when using the fishbone diagram and receive a coupon for one of Lean Strategies International LLC's courses.
Click here to Enroll in the FISH Methodology
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Click Here to Submit Your Post on Listen to the Gemba.

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    November 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    March 2019
    January 2019
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015

    Categories

    All
    7 Management/Planning Tools
    Cause Effect
    Continuous Improvement
    Just In Time
    Lean-and-quality
    Lean-and-quality
    Lean-assessment
    Lean Basics
    Lean Courses
    Lean Holidays
    Lean Leadership
    Lean Metrics
    Lean Sales And Marketing
    Lean Six Sigma Basics
    Lean Strategy
    Lean Tools
    MRP/ERP
    Q&A
    REDUCE/SMED
    Six Sigma Tools
    Standardization
    Submit A Blog Post
    Top 20 Lean Tips
    Updates
    Waste

    Recommended Readings

    Lean and Six Sigma Recommended Readings
    Visit our Recommended Reading Page for some great Lean and Six Sigma Books.
Lean Strategies International LLC.
Follow Us on YouTube or Our Other Channels Below.
             ©2015-2021 Lean Strategies International LLC.  
  • Home Page
  • Services
    • Training >
      • Waste Training
      • Introduction to Lean
      • Lean Champions >
        • Lean Six Sigma White Belt
        • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
      • Lean Tools You Can Use Series! >
        • The 5S System
        • The ©Gemba Methodology
        • The FISH Methodology
        • The CURE Methodology
        • Quick Changeover with REDUCE
        • Mistake Proofing and the Poka Yoke System
        • The Just in Time System
  • Lean Resources
    • Listen to The Gemba
    • Glossary
    • Lean and Six Sigma Quotes
    • Recommended Reading
    • Events
    • Masters of Lean and Six Sigma
    • Career /Jobs
  • Store
    • Workspace
  • Home Page
  • Services
    • Training >
      • Waste Training
      • Introduction to Lean
      • Lean Champions >
        • Lean Six Sigma White Belt
        • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
      • Lean Tools You Can Use Series! >
        • The 5S System
        • The ©Gemba Methodology
        • The FISH Methodology
        • The CURE Methodology
        • Quick Changeover with REDUCE
        • Mistake Proofing and the Poka Yoke System
        • The Just in Time System
  • Lean Resources
    • Listen to The Gemba
    • Glossary
    • Lean and Six Sigma Quotes
    • Recommended Reading
    • Events
    • Masters of Lean and Six Sigma
    • Career /Jobs
  • Store
    • Workspace