Identifying the root cause is one of the most important steps in the treatment of a nonconformity. It is here that we seek to understand what really caused the problem, so that it does not happen again.


At the top of the screen, you will see the NCR code, the deadline, and the person responsible for the step; this information helps to track the progress of the treatment:




Associate similar nonconformities


If this occurrence is related to other already registered cases, you can click on Associate similar nonconformities. This facilitates the analysis of patterns and helps to avoid recurrences.


In the Nonconformities to associate field, upon clicking, the system will display a list of the already registered nonconformities, and it is possible to select one or more nonconformities.


In the Suggestions field, the system will bring two options that have a description similar to the nonconformity that is being treated at the moment, with the option to preview and, if it makes sense, associate it with the current occurrence.


Choose the analysis tool

You can choose between:

  • Root cause analysis (write the analysis that was done in the field);

  • Ishikawa;

  • Use 5 Whys.

 These tools are just a support. The most important thing is to fill in the analysis field with clarity and objectivity, regardless of the method used: 

Root cause analysis

In this option, you can manually describe the identified root cause, in addition to attaching files related to it:




Ishikawa

The Ishikawa Diagram, also known as a cause-and-effect or fishbone diagram, is a visual tool that helps to identify possible causes of a problem. When selecting this option, you will see the analysis categories, such as:

  • Method;

  • Material;

  • Measurement;

  • Machine;

  • Manpower;

  • Environment.

Each of these categories can be expanded with the (+) button:



Allowing you to fill in the corresponding cause field for each one of them. The diagram helps to visualize all possible causes and facilitates the identification of areas that may have contributed to the nonconformity:


Upon clicking save, the system will show the inserted causes and will require that it be defined which of them is the root cause:


When defining the root cause, the system will show the information of which cause was identified for confirmation, and you just have to click the Next Step button to proceed:

 


If it is necessary to edit or delete a cause, click on the three vertical dots next to the description, as shown below:



5 Whys


The 5 Whys tool helps to identify the problem's root cause through a series of sequential questions. When selecting this option, the system will display a field for you to answer the initial question: "Why did the nonconformity occur?"


After answering, the system will request that you insert the next "Why?". Just click the Next why button; if the cause is identified, just click the Root cause button on the desired answer.

 


Once the root cause is identified, just confirm and click the Next Step button:



If you need to review previous steps of the flow, just click Back.


After choosing the analysis tool, filling in the information, and saving, click the Next Step button to proceed to Step 4 - Planning.