5 Whys

The 5 Why’s problem solving model was developed by Sakichi Toyoda of Toyota Motor Corporation to use an iterative chain of cause and effect inquiry to determine a root problem. In effect, the 5 Why’s model would help the troubleshooter in quickly and concisely discovering a root solution from the root problem because of the model’s simplicity.

As the name implies, the

Example

Here is an example of how this model can be applied. A computer program that is meant to be used to efficiently store electronic documents is not as efficient as first thought. This is a perfect opportunity to utilize the 5 Why’s. This model may help to identify exactly why the program is being inefficient. In this decision making tool requires the problem to be posed as a statement.

“This computer program is inefficient at storing documents.”

1. Why?

answer:          It is cumbersome to search for a document.

2. Why?

answer:          The system is very slow when trying access the documents.

3. Why?

answer:          There are millions of documents in the system with every department requiring access and it is running off of one server.

4. Why?

answer:          Servers are very expensive to purchase, so there is only one dedicated to this program because of budget allowances.

5. Why?

answer:          Budget cuts were made due to the economic recession when this system was installed, but since then the company has recovered from its losses, and has not reviewed its budget.

Solution: There needs to be a budget increase for IT to house another server for this program to run off of.

References:

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_5W.htm

http://www.toyotageorgetown.com/tps.asp

“When an error occurs, the first thing that needs to be done is fix the error. Minoura recalls that Ohno used to order them to ask the question "Why?" five times over because "that way you'll find the root cause, and if you get rid of that it'll never happen again."...