8/7/2019 8D-Problem Solving Method or Tools

1/3

8D PROBLEM SOLVING METHOD

STEP 1 - D1: Establish the team

The team should be a well rounded team with different skill and intimate knowledge of the processes

where the problem has occurred. Also include at least one outsider that is training in problem solvingto give an outside perspective on the problem. Many time the outsider does not see the process in thesame biased way that people too close to the problem do.

STEP 2- D2: Describe the Problem

It is important to reach a consensus, among the team, as to what the actual problem might be. Manytimes this step is not carried out completely wasting valuable time and money.

STEP 3- D3: Implement and Verify Interim Actions

This is the most important step outside the final solution. Typically, problems snowball if they are notcontained properly. This can include segregation of product and manual sorting if the problemoccurred in part production.

STEP 4- D4: Identify and Verify Root Causes

Many industry standard tools are available for this step in the 8d process. 5y and fishbone diagramsare two excellent tool for performing root cause analysis. Verification should include the results of testto prove that the determined root cause is the actual root cause of the problem and not just anothersymptom of the real problem.

STEP 5- D5: Choose and Verify Permanent Corrective Actions

Like describing the problem it is important to reach a consensus, among the team, on the correctiveaction to take to solve the problem. Take the time to verify that the corrective action will be effectivebefore too much time and money are invested on actions that are not working.

STEP 6- D6: Implement and Validate Permanent Corrective Actions

Corrective Action will usually include a full action plan. What will be done, when will it be done and bywhom? The corrective action should be on a set scheduled and address all aspects of the root cause.Validation should be perform by someone unbiased or outside the team to insure that everyoneinvolved has completed their part.

STEP 7- D7: Prevent recurrence

Procedures should be implemented to insure that re-occurrences do not happen. Preventive actionshould also be investigated on all other product that the same kind of problem could possibly occur. Ifthe different between corrective and preventive actions are not clean my how-to describing both canbe found in the resources below.

STEP 8- D8: Congratulate your Team

It is important to show your team appreciation of improving the overall quality of the product by

carrying out the 8d process. Many 8d project can be stressful on employees especially during busyperiods when workloads can be tough to manage.

8/7/2019 8D-Problem Solving Method or Tools

2/3

HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM

STEP 1 - Define what the problem actually is. This isn't necessary when a physics questionasks for "a" or "b," but for problems based more in arts or philosophy the "problem"itself is not always clear. Read the descriptions carefully and decide exactly what the

problem is before you begin to try to solve it.

STEP 2 - Break down the problem into smaller more manageable sections. A huge problem byitself may seem overwhelming and impossible. By breaking it down into smallersections, you can tackle each one in a methodical way.

STEP 3 - Look at the potential causes for the problem. Often the solution is to take away thecause, so go back to the beginning of the problem and see if there is any way to getrid of the cause.

STEP 4 - Develop solutions by looking at what other people have done before you andbrainstorming your own ideas. Look for tried and tested formulas to your problem.Chances are you aren't the first person to encounter this, so see whether there are

any already established solutions.

STEP 5 - Use the tools and people that you have around you. Complex mathematicalequations are easier to solve with a calculator and essay plans are available on theInternet. Use technology to make shortcuts and pick other peoples' brains to get freshperspectives on your problem.

STEP 6 - Check through your original facts and assumptions. If you still can't find a solution, itmay be because your initial data wasn't correct. Double check your facts and figuresand look for flaws in your hypothesis. You may spot something you missed the firsttime that lets everything else fall into place.

8/7/2019 8D-Problem Solving Method or Tools

3/3