Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a problem-solving method that aims to identify the underlying causes of an issue or problem, rather than just addressing its symptoms. The goal of RCA is to prevent the problem from recurring by identifying and addressing its root cause.

RCA is a systematic approach that involves gathering data and evidence to understand what caused the problem to occur. This often involves reviewing documentation, interviewing stakeholders, and analyzing data related to the problem. The next step is to identify the contributing factors that led to the problem, which can be categorized into different levels of causation: immediate, intermediate, and root causes.

Once the root cause of the problem is identified, the RCA team can then develop and implement solutions to address it. This may involve changes to policies, procedures, or practices, or changes to the system or environment in which the problem occurred.

RCA can be applied to a wide range of industries and situations, including manufacturing, healthcare, and software development. It is an effective approach to problem-solving because it focuses on addressing the underlying causes of a problem, rather than just treating its symptoms.

An Example of RCA