8 Steps to Problem Solving: Implement Continuous Improvement in Your Organization
The 8 Steps to Problem Solving Method was developed by Toyota Motor Corporation as a practical, structured, and simple way to handle any problem from the smallest issue to the most complex roadblock.
What is the 8 Step Problem Solving Method?
This problem-solving method helps teams identify and solve problems in a clear and structured way, ensuring that there is consistency within an organization.
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.
Following this method ensures that your problem-solving technique can be repeated in a sustainable way with the least amount of impact on your customers.
What are the benefits of the 8 Step Method?
There are a few key benefits to using this method to solve your problems:
You get to the root cause of the issue, ensuring the problem is not repeated in the future.
You can better identify and prevent any weak points in your process.
Long-term, effective solutions are generated.
Problems will be reduced over time, increasing your bottom line.
What are the 8 Steps in this Methodology?
Clarify Problem
Break Down Problem
Set Target
Root Cause Analysis
Develop Countermeasures
See Countermeasures Through
Monitor Results and Processes
Standardize Successful Process
A Detailed look at the 8 Steps to Problem Solving Templates
Step 1: Clarify The Problem
In this step, you need to identify and clarify the problem. Determine why it is a problem, what should be happening instead, and how it fits into the business as a whole.
The Stormboard Template for this step is divided into four sections: Clarify Ideal Situation, Clarify Current Situation, Visualize Gap Between Current and Ideal Situations, and Set Ultimate Goal.
Step 2: Break Down The Problem
For this next step, you need to start getting more detailed and specific. Break down the problem into manageable pieces, go see the problem in the process, analyze the issues, and start thinking about priorities.
The Stormboard Template for this step is divided into three sections: Get Your Boots On and Go See, Create a Process Flow, and Identify Point of Occurrence.
Step 3: Set Your Target
This step is where you set clear target dates to resolve the problem. Determine what is needed to reach the target and how long it will take.
The Stormboard Template for this step is divided into three sections: Measurability, Target Point of Occurrence, and What, How Much, and When.
Step 4: Perform a Root Cause Analysis
In this step, you really dig into the factors that are causing the problem. Consider and address all of the causes of the issue — there will usually be more than one.
The Stormboard Template for this step is divided into four sections: Create a Decision-Making Tree, Analyse and Discard Ideas, Ask Why, and Conduct “Why Analysis”.
Step 5: Develop Countermeasures
Use this step to brainstorm countermeasures that will help you remove the root causes of your problem. Come up with as many as possible, and then narrow the criteria matrix and create an implementation plan
The Stormboard Template for this step is divided into three sections: List Root Cause, List Countermeasures, and Chart and Rate Countermeasures.
Step 6: See Countermeasures Through
In this step, you will implement your countermeasures using a clear plan and share the progress of each countermeasure that you implement with your team.
The Stormboard Template for this step is divided into three sections: Implement Countermeasures, Share progress, and Next Steps.
Step 7: Monitor Results and Processes
Use this step to determine if your countermeasures were successful or if they need to be adjusted and reimplemented.
The Stormboard Template for this step is divided into three sections: Evaluate Results, Report, and Lessons Learned.
Step 8: Standardize The Successful Process
In this step, you will integrate your successful countermeasure into your process, share your results with your team, reflect on what you have learned, and make sure there are no unaddressed issues.
The Stormboard Template for this step is divided into three sections: Standardize, Share, and Start a new Kaizen.
Are you interested in trying out Stormboard’s 8 Steps to Problem Solving Templates with your team? Sign up for a FREE trial now!
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