8-Step Problem Solving Process (2024)

Step 1:Define the Problem

  • What is the problem?
  • How did you discover the problem?
  • When did the problem start and how long has this problem been going on?
  • Is there enough data available to contain the problem and prevent it from gettingpassed to the next process step? If yes, contain the problem.

Step 2: Clarify the Problem

  • What data is available or needed to help clarify, or fully understand the problem?
  • Is it a top priority to resolve the problem at this point in time?
  • Are additional resources required to clarify the problem? If yes, elevate theproblem to your leader to help locate the right resources and form a team.
  • Consider a Lean Event (Do-it, Burst, RPI, Project).
  • ∙Ensure the problem is contained and does not get passed to the next process step.

Step 3: Define the Goals

  • What is your end goal or desired future state?
  • What will you accomplish if you fix this problem?
  • What is the desired timeline for solving this problem?

Step 4: Identify Root Cause of the Problem

  • Identify possible causes of the problem.
  • Prioritize possible root causes of the problem.
  • What information or data is there to validate the root cause?

Step 5: Develop Action Plan

  • Generate a list of actions required to address the root cause and prevent problemfrom getting to others.
  • Assign an owner and timeline to each action.
  • Status actions to ensure completion.

Step 6:Execute Action Plan

  • Implement action plan to address the root cause.
  • Verify actions are completed.

Step 7:Evaluate the Results

  • Monitor and Collect Data.
  • Did you meet your goals defined in step 3? If not, repeatthe 8-Step Process.
  • Were there any unforeseen consequences?
  • If problem is resolved, remove activities that were added previously to contain the problem.

Step 8:Continuously Improve

  • Look for additional opportunities to implement solution.
  • Ensure problem will not come back and communicate lessons learned.
  • If needed, repeat the 8-Step Problem Solving Process to drive further improvements.
8-Step Problem Solving Process (2024)

FAQs

8-Step Problem Solving Process? ›

This process is an expansion of the Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA) cycle. Steps one through five are part of the planning process, step six is the doing process, step seven is the checking process, and step eight is the acting part of the cycle.

What are the 8 steps in problem-solving? ›

This process is an expansion of the Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA) cycle. Steps one through five are part of the planning process, step six is the doing process, step seven is the checking process, and step eight is the acting part of the cycle.

What is the 8 step method? ›

The eight-step problem-solving process is an expanded version of the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle. The first five steps of the 8-step process fall under the planning step, while steps six, seven and eight all correspond to the do, check and act steps.

What are the 8 steps of the Toyota Way? ›

Consider these eight steps as you start on the path to continuous improvement.
  • Clarify the problem. ...
  • Break down the problem. ...
  • Set a target. ...
  • Analyze the root cause. ...
  • Develop countermeasures. ...
  • Implement countermeasures. ...
  • Evaluate Results and Process. ...
  • Standardize Successful Processes.
Mar 28, 2023

What are the 8 steps of continuous improvement model? ›

The eight steps are (1) Clarify and Validate the Problem, (2) Break Down the Problem and Identify Performance Gaps (Observe), (3) Set Improvement Target, (4)Determine Root Cause (Orient), (5) Develop Countermeasures (Decide), (6) See Countermeasures Through, (7) Confirm Results and Process, and (8) Standardize ...

What is the 8D problem-solving method? ›

The 8D problem solving process is a detailed, team oriented approach to solving critical problems in the production process. The goals of this method are to find the root cause of a problem, develop containment actions to protect customers and take corrective action to prevent similar problems in the future.

What are the stages of problem-solving? ›

The steps in this process include the following. Define the problem. Generate alternate solutions. Evaluate and select a singular solution.

Are there eight steps in the scale? ›

The eight notes on the musical scale are called the octatonic or diminished scale. In the major scale, the eight notes go up the steps from bottom to top. These are the eight notes of the octave. On a C scale, the notes from low to high would be C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.

What are the steps of the problem-solving process in Quizlet? ›

  • Identify the problem. ...
  • Gather information. ...
  • Create alternatives. ...
  • Choose an Alternative and take action. ...
  • Evaluate and revise.

What are the 8 steps needed to analyze an EKG Quizlet? ›

  • evaluate the P wave. -is it present. ...
  • Evaluate atrial rhythm. -regular. ...
  • Determine the atrial rate.
  • PR interval. ...
  • evaluate the ventricular rhythm.
  • determine the ventricular rate.
  • calculate the duration of the QRS complex. ...
  • calculate the duration of the QT interval.

What is Toyota problem-solving method? ›

Plan, do, check, act is the problem-solving process which involves thinking and it is a philosophy; it suggests that we're going to start with a plan which eventually leads to countermeasures. Toyota uses the term countermeasures because they don't know if they are going to work.

What is the Toyota way to problem-solving? ›

Develop a thorough understanding of the current situation and define the problem. Complete a thorough root cause analysis. Thoroughly consider alternative solutions while building consensus. Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA):

What is the A3 problem solving method? ›

A3 problem solving is a Lean approach to reporting issues and presenting ways of addressing them. The simple method, developed by Toyota, bases on documenting a problem, together with its current outcome and a suggested change, on a single sheet of A3 paper (420x297mm), giving it the name.

What is lean or six sigma? ›

Six Sigma focuses on reducing process variation and enhancing process control, whereas lean drives out waste (non-value added processes and procedures) and promotes work standardization and flow.

What is the meaning of six sigma? ›

Six Sigma is a set of methodologies and tools used to improve business processes by reducing defects and errors, minimizing variation, and increasing quality and efficiency. The goal of Six Sigma is to achieve a level of quality that is nearly perfect, with only 3.4 defects per million opportunities.

What is PDCA stand for? ›

Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) is a four step cycle that allows you to implement change, solve problems, and continuously improve processes. Its cyclical nature allows it to be utilized in a continuous manner for ongoing improvement.

What are the 7 problem-solving techniques? ›

Here are seven-steps for an effective problem-solving process.
  • Identify the issues.
  • Understand everyone's interests.
  • List the possible solutions (options)
  • Evaluate the options.
  • Select an option or options.
  • Document the agreement(s).
  • Agree on contingencies, monitoring, and evaluation.
Jul 11, 2023

What are the 9 problem-solving strategies? ›

9 effective problem-solving strategies
  • Trial and error. ...
  • Brute force. ...
  • Divide and conquer. ...
  • Systematic. ...
  • Root-cause analysis. ...
  • SWOT analysis. ...
  • PESTEL analysis. ...
  • Heuristics.
Apr 28, 2023

What are the 7 elements of the problem-solving process? ›

Using a very simple approach, A3 problem solving is composed of the following seven steps shown below.
  • Step 1: Background. ...
  • Step 2: Problem Statement. ...
  • Step 3: Goal Statement. ...
  • Step 4: Root Cause Analysis. ...
  • Step 5: Countermeasures. ...
  • Step 6: Effect Confirmation. ...
  • Step 7: Follow Up Action.
May 17, 2010

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