Root Cause Analysis Using 5 Whys
Within the framework of an 8D problem analysis, you can use the 5 Whys methodology for the D4 step to analyze the root causes of defects. A screen area is available in the D4 step that provides you with a simple option for entering as many questions and answers as you wish. When you have determined one or more causes, you can create the D4 root causes from the 5 Whys overview.
Features
Entering questions and answers on the user interface is made possible by a structure of rows and columns. You enter the questions and the corresponding answers in text boxes. As soon as you have released an answer, the system enables the next column for the question that arises next. If more than one new question arises from one answer, you can also add additional rows so that a further branch stems from the answer. When you have found one or more causes, you can transfer these to the D4 step using a pushbutton.
Technically, the combination of a question and an answer is stored as an activity in the QIM system. For this purpose, the standard system delivers the activity type Q5W
with the activity category Q5W
and the text schema QIM_Q5W
.
Note
Owing to the special user interface structure, no formatting is possible in the text boxes for the 5 Whys questions and answers. Also, you cannot activate historical texts for the text types A5WQ
and A5WA
of the text schema QIM_Q5W
.
Depending on the SAP NetWeaver release level of your QIM system, there may be problems with line breaks in the text boxes. This problem is resolved with SAP Note 1797388
or by installing Support Package 07 of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP 731.