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8D Problem-Solving Process

8D Problem Solving Technique

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Akshay Kawale
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39 views

8D Problem-Solving Process

8D Problem Solving Technique

Uploaded by

Akshay Kawale
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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8D Problem-Solving Process: How to Apply

the 8 Disciplines
Industries ranging from health care and manufacturing to retail often rely on strategic
methods for addressing issues. One of the most common is the 8D problem-solving method,
which involves identifying the root of the problem and developing preventative measures.
Implementing this measure can help teams collaborate in a way that increases efficiency,
reduces costs, and improves customer satisfaction. In this article, we explain 8D problem-
solving, how to apply the eight disciplines, and discuss the benefits and applications of this
process.

What is 8D problem-solving?
8D problem-solving is an approach that quality engineers and manufacturers use to identify
and address challenges throughout a project. 8D refers to the eight different disciplines, or
steps, that the process entails. Note that since its inception, the 8D problem-solving method
has added a stage for planning at the beginning of the process. While the 8D problem-solving
method first gained popularity in the automotive industry, industries ranging from health care
and manufacturing to finance, government and retail implement it today. 8D works by
finding the root cause of a problem and conducting a statistical analysis. Then, it implements
interim solutions that can alleviate some of the negative effects of the problem while a team
continues searching for and implementing permanent corrective actions.

How to use 8D problem-solving


Here's how to use 8D problem-solving:

1. D0: Prepare and plan

Before starting the 8D process, evaluate the problem you're trying to solve. Collect
information about the different effects of the problem and the most severe issues that may
result from the problem. Keep a checklist of these issues to better work to resolve them,
including by deciding what resources you may need. Consider seeking feedback from others
involved to ensure a well-informed and rational approach. During the 8D process, try to
protect the customer from any ongoing negative effects associated with the problem until
you're able to solve it.

2. D1: Form a team

Create a team of people familiar with the various products and processes. Choose people who
also have the time and skills in the necessary areas to solve the problem and implement
corrective actions. Some of the different actions that comprise this step in the 8D problem-
solving process include:

 Naming team members and setting up the team.


 Appointing a team leader
 Developing and sharing team guidelines
 Going over team goals and priorities
 Arranging team-building exercises, if needed

3. D2: Describe the problem

Identify the problem in clear, quantifiable terms by identifying the who, what, where, when,
why, how, and how many (5W2H) of the problem. Then, clearly describe the problem.
Actions for this step include:

 Developing a problem statement


 Deciding if the problem is caused by a change in something already there or if it's a
new problem.
 Develop a project plan with goals and objectives
 Creating a diagram to pinpoint possible causes.
 Marking a flowchart of the process, including various steps as related to the problem
description.

4. D3: Develop interim containment actions

Define and implement actions that can contain the problem within the business and isolate it
from any customer. Containing the problem is a temporary solution while the team develops
permanent corrective or preventive actions to solve the problem. After defining and
implementing an interim containment action, the team also checks with the customer to see if
the action has been effective.

5. D4: Define and verify root causes and escape points

Look for causes that may explain why the problem happened. Test each potential root cause
against the problem description and related test data. Try to find where the first indications of
a problem arose and identify why your team didn't notice it. This point is called the escape
point. Those using the 8D model can consider all potential root causes before verifying or
dismissing them. Some people may use the five whys and cause-and-effect diagrams to test
the various causes of the problem they've identified.

6. D5: Choose and verify permanent corrective actions (PCAs) for the
problem

Choose the most likely solution to remove the root cause of the problem, then come up with
the most likely solution to the issues with the escape point. Double-check to ensure that both
these solutions have a good chance of correcting the problem for the customer without any
negative outcomes or unwanted effects.

7. D6: Implement and validate permanent corrective actions

The next step is to plan, define and implement the ideal permanent corrective actions, or CAs,
to remove any root causes and escape points. Once you implement these corrective actions,
you can remove any interim containment actions. Observe the results over a long period and
verify the success of the new solutions by seeing how they affect the customer. Consider
identifying the negative effects of these newly implemented solutions.

8. D7: Prevent recurrence

Modify the management systems, operation systems, methods, and procedures to ensure that
this problem is less likely to happen again. Look for opportunities to improve these systems
and procedures to eliminate the current problem you've been working to resolve.
Additionally, you can look for ways to improve your methods to stop similar problems from
developing later.

9. D8: Recognize team and individual contribution

The final step in the 8D process is to review the problem-solving project and the group's
work. Document everything and save all notes, lessons, research, and test data. Then, openly
acknowledge your appreciation for the team's collaborative efforts while also recognizing the
contributions of team members.

Why apply 8D problem-solving?


8D problem-solving offers many benefits. It can help:

 Focus on collaboration and cooperation rather than relying solely on individual


contribution.
 Allow team members to become familiar with an efficient and successful method of
problem-solving.
 Allow the project team to learn from earlier problems or errors.
 Improve knowledge of problem-solving techniques and tools so that team members
can more easily address other problems that they may encounter.
 Encourage open communication around problematic situations, which can increase
teamwork overall.
 Keep management informed about problems that affect the business so that they can
address problems more quickly and effectively.
 Encourage company-wide improvements.

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