The 5-Why Analysis is a technique used in the Analyze Phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC process. It is a Six Sigma tool that does not involve advanced statistical tools, and in many cases, can be completed without a data collection plan.
By repeatedly asking the question “Why” (five times is a good rule of thumb), you can peel away the layers of symptoms. This could lead to the root cause of a problem. Very often the reason for a problem leads you to another question (isixsigma, 2015). This questioning technique assists in identifying possible solutions and identification of root cause(s).
An ideal state value stream map (VSM), also known as future state map, is the ultimate goal of your improvement process. The ideal state VSM provides you with an objective to work toward and defines what you would like to improve or achieve within a specific timescale (Lean Manufacturing Tools, 2015). Creating a VSM is typically part of the Improve Phase, not the Analyze Phase. By submitting an ideal state value stream map this week you can receive feedback from the instructor to incorporate into your final project.
References:
isixsigma. (2015). Determine the root cause: 5 whys. http://www.isixsigma.com/tools-templates/cause-effect/determine-root-cause-5-whys/
Lean Manufacturing Tools. (2015). Creating your ideal and future state value stream map. http://leanmanufacturingtools.org/598/creating-your-ideal-and-future-state-value-stream-map/
To prepare:
• Review Learning Resources
• Review the Fishbone Diagram developed in Week 2 and all collected baseline data
• Using the 5-Why Analysis; reconsider the causes of your Final Project Problem(s)
• Using the 5-Why Analysis; reconsider possible solutions to your Final Project Problem(s)
• Consider a future state process map, what you would like to improve and plan to achieve within an appropriate timescale?
The Analyze Phase of your project. This includes:
• Application of the 5-Why Analysis to define the top 3-5 causes within your control
• Identify possible solutions to correct root cause(s)
• Create a Future State Process map
ASQ. (2015). Six sigma tools. http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/six-sigma/tools.html
ASQ. (2015). The DMAIC process. http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/six-sigma/overview/dmaic.html
isixsigma. (2015). DMAIC roadmap. http://www.isixsigma.com/new-to-six-sigma/dmaic/six-sigma-dmaic-roadmap/
isixsigma. (2015). Determine the root cause: 5 whys. http://www.isixsigma.com/tools-templates/cause-effect/determine-root-cause-5-whys/
isixsigma. (2015). The cause and effect diagram. http://www.isixsigma.com/tools-templates/cause-effect/cause-and-effect-aka-fishbone-diagram/
Lean Manufacturing Tools. (2015). Creating your ideal and future state value stream map. http://leanmanufacturingtools.org/598/creating-your-ideal-and-future-state-value-stream-map/
Minitab 18 Support. (2019). Overview for importing data. https://support.minitab.com/en-us/minitab/18/help-and-how-to/data-input-and-output/open-files-and-import-data/overview/
Six Sigma Material. (n.d.). Analyze phase. http://www.six-sigma-material.com/Analyze.html
Six Sigma Material. (n.d.). Basic statistics. http://www.six-sigma-material.com/Basic-Statistics.html
Strategos. (2015). Future state value stream mapping. http://www.strategosinc.com/value_stream_mapping3.htm
The Minitab Blog. (2011). Lean marriage tips II: Using 5-why analysis and fishbone diagrams for problem-solving. http://blog.minitab.com/blog/real-world-quality-improvement/lean-marriage-tips-ii
