A tradition of excellence

The 5 Whys: An Introduction

January 21, 2014

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 Motivation
PAGE 2

When something goes wrong, we

tend to see it as a crisis and seek
to blame.
The majority of the corrective
action responses we receive from
our suppliers stop their problem
analysis at the operator or
inspector level.
A better way is to see it as an
opportunity to learn about our
system and processes, and how
to make it harder for someone to
make a mistake.
Today we will learn the technique of asking Why
five times to discover why the process failed.

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Introduction to the 5 Why Method
PAGE 3

Overview
The 5 Whys is a method to explore
cause and effect relationships. We
peel away the symptoms to identify
root causes.

Engage employees directly involved with the problem

Analyze the process to discover weaknesses that:
Cause the defect
Waste our time
Hurt our companys reputation
Eat our profits
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Introduction to the 5 Why Method
PAGE 4

Overview
Assume any problem is preventable and worth preventing
Problems are caused by weak or poorly defined processes
more than individual incompetence
Commit to making an investment in the corrective action(s)
needed to eliminate the defect
INTENT - Make it harder for someone to make a mistake

Start Finish

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 Five Whys Preparation
PAGE 5

Five Whys is one of many Root Cause Analysis Tools

Corrective
Problem Root Causes
Actions

Root Cause analysis Tool Examples:

5 Whys
Cause Map

Not Recommended:
Cause & Effect Diagram (Fishbone)

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 Five Why A Simple Example
PAGE 6

Ask Why? about 5 times and you will likely

discover a systemic cause for the problem.

Problem - Flat Tire

Why? There is a tack in the tire Condition
Why? Car ran over tacks Action
Why? Tacks on garage floor Condition
Why? Box of tacks on shelf split open Action
Why? Box is wet Condition
Why? Rain entered hole in roof Action
Why? A roof shingle is missing Condition
Why? Wind storm blew shingle off Action

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 Five Whys Preparation
PAGE 7

Marvin Engineering uses a 2-legged 5 Why to addresses different

systemic issues.

How was the problem created?

Why was the problem not detected?

Failing to detect the nonconformity allowed it

to escape to the customer.

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 Five Whys Leg One
PAGE 8

My car will not start

The battery is dead Recharge the

battery

The alternator is not working

The alternator belt broke Replace the belt

The belt was old and

beyond its useful service life
Car was not maintained according Follow manufacturer
to recommendations recommendations

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 Five Whys Leg Two
PAGE 9

The quality system did not detect the defect

Leg 2 is needed only when there is an escape.

An escape is a defect that gets passed on
undetected to the next work center and/or to
the customer.

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 Check Your Logic
PAGE 10

My car will not

start

The battery
Why? is dead

The alternator is
Why? not working

The alternator belt

Why? broke

The belt was old and

beyond its useful
Why? service life

Car was not maintained

according to
Why? recommendations

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 Check Your Logic
PAGE 11

Begin with the last Why. Read it, say the word therefore, and
continue backward to the first Why.
My car will not
start Therefore

The battery is dead Therefore

The alternator is
Therefore
not working

The alternator
Therefore
belt broke

The belt was

beyond its useful Therefore
service life
My car was not
maintained according
to recommendations

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Deeper Whys Yield Better Solutions
PAGE 12

Example: Jefferson Memorial

Problem: The Jefferson Memorial is deteriorating

Why?
Too much washing
Why?
Excess bird droppings
Why?
Lots of spiders to eat
Why?
Lots of bugs to eat
Why?
Lights are switched on before dusk
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 Deeper Whys Yield Better Solutions
PAGE 13

Problem Statement: Jefferson Memorial is Deteriorating

Why? Too much washing

Why? Too much washing was why the

Excess bird droppings
Memorial was deteriorating

Why? Lots of spiders to eat

Bug Spray Would eliminate the bugs,

Why? Lots of bugs to eat but introduces new problems (e.g.
health concerns).

Turn lights on hour later a

Why? Lights are switched on before dusk less costly solution without side
affects.

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 Introduction to the 5 Why Method
PAGE 14

Questions?

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