The way you respond in a crisis usually reveals a lot about the type of manager you are. Good news: You can master problem solving as no one else by using tools that were specifically created for this purpose. Very good illustration of how the 8D method combines teamwork with statistical data to help you solve your problems and better anticipate their occurrence.
Yes, things do not always turn out as expected. But this isn’t a reason to jump to the first production or process issue that comes up; instead, focus on honing your problem-solving skills and finding a way to cut the root of the problem off at the source.
The 8D methodology is implemented first and foremost on teamwork in order to both solve any problems that arise during your process and prevent any new ones from sticking their noses out. Discover the components of this approach, how to implement it successfully, and the benefits it offers you and your team by reading this guide. Un modèle pour faciliter votre démarche est également inclus.
8D problem solving approach
How to use 8D problem solving
The 8D problem-solving process comprises these nine steps:
1. D0: Prepare and plan
Be sure to assess the issue at hand before beginning the 8D process. Gather data on the issue’s various effects and the most serious problems that could arise as a result of the issue. Keep a list of these problems so you can more effectively work to solve them, including by determining what resources you might need. To ensure a well-informed and reasonable approach, think about asking for feedback from those involved. Try to shield the client from any ongoing negative effects of the issue during the 8D process until you can fix it.
2. D1: Form a team
Form a team with members who are knowledgeable about the various products and procedures involved. Select those who have the time and expertise to address the issue and implement the necessary corrective measures. This step in the 8D problem-solving process entails a variety of different actions, some of which are as follows:
3. D2: Define and describe the problem
Clearly and quantitatively define the issue by answering the who, what, where, when, why, how, and how many (5W2H) questions about it. Then, clearly describe the problem. Actions for this step include:
4. D3: Develop interim containment actions
Define and put into practice solutions that will keep the issue within the company and keep customers from being affected. While the team develops long-term corrective or preventive actions to address the issue, containment is a temporary fix. The team also consults with the client to determine whether the interim containment action has been successful after developing and implementing it.
5. D4: Define and verify root causes and escape points
Look for causes that may explain why the problem happened. Compare each potential root cause to the problem description and the test results that go with it. Try to pinpoint the process step where the first signs of a problem appeared and determine why your team missed it. This point is called the escape point.
Before confirming or discounting any potential root causes, those employing the 8D model should take them all into account. Some people may test the various causes against the identified problem using the 5 whys and cause-and-effect diagrams.
6. D5: Choose and verify permanent corrective actions (PCAs) for the problem
Decide on the most likely course of action to address the issue’s root cause before developing the most likely course of action to address the issue with the escape point. Verify again to make sure that both of these solutions have a good chance of resolving the issue for the client without any unfavorable results or side effects.
7. D6: Implement and validate permanent corrective actions
Planning, defining, and implementing the best permanent corrective actions, or CAs, to eliminate any root causes and escape routes, is the following step. You can stop using any temporary containment measures once you’ve put these corrective actions in place. Long-term results should be tracked, and the impact of the new solutions on the client should be examined to confirm their effectiveness. Watch for any negative effects from these newly implemented solutions.
8. D7: Prevent recurrence
Change the management systems, operational systems, methods, and procedures to make it less likely that this issue will arise again. Look for ways to make these systems and procedures better in order to solve the issue you’ve been trying to solve. Additionally, consider ways to enhance your procedures to prevent recurring issues from occurring.
9. D8: Recognize team and individual contribution
The problem-solving project and all of the work that the group completed throughout the 8D process are reviewed as the final step in the 8D process. Record everything, including lessons, research, test results, and notes. Then, express your gratitude for the team’s collaborative efforts while also praising the individual contributions of those involved.
What is the 8D problem-solving method?
Quality engineers and other professionals frequently use the 8D problem-solving method to pinpoint, address, and get rid of persistent problems and issues. The term “8D” refers to the 8 distinct disciplines or steps that were initially included when it was first used by a company. However, the planning stage has been added as a new stage at the beginning of the procedure.
Usually in the automotive industry, but also in healthcare, manufacturing, finance, government, and retail, people use 8D to improve processes and products. In order for 8D to function, a problem must first be identified, then it must be statistically analyzed. On the basis of this, the 8D model strives to first implement temporary fixes that can lessen some of the detrimental effects of the issue. A team is still working to find and implement long-term solutions to the issue in the interim.
Benefits of 8D problem solving
Some of the many benefits of 8D problem solving include:
When to use 8D problem solving
There are numerous occasions when applying 8D problem solving is helpful for determining the problem’s root cause, fixing it, and preventing similar problems from arising in the future. Examples of when to use 8D problem solving are when:
FAQ
What are 8D steps?
8D Stands for the Eight Disciplines of team-oriented problem-solving. To permanently eliminate recurring issues, a step-by-step process of locating the underlying cause of a problem, offering corrective solutions, and implementing preventive solutions must be followed. 8D follows the logic of PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Adjust).
How many steps are in the 8D approach to problem solving?
It’s important to note that six steps into the 8D method is when you’re finally ready to implement the corrective action, highlighting the crucial role that planning plays in this method. D6: Implement and Validate Corrective Actions Management must actively participate in ensuring that corrective actions are implemented.
What is an 8D used for?
The 8D methodology is useful for improving products and processes because its goal is to recognize, address, and get rid of recurring issues.
Is 8D a Six Sigma tool?
One of the most popular frameworks for process improvement is 8D. It is strong and blends well with other well-known methodologies, like Six Sigma The following tools for improvement are frequently employed in Six Sigma procedures. Find out how adding 8D can enhance the procedure even more.
