Page 367 - The Toyota Way Fieldbook

Chapter 15

Complete a Thorough

Root Cause Analysis

TOYOTA’S CORPORATE slogan is “Yoi shina, yoi kangai,” which means, “Good
thinking, good products.” This applies particularly well to the analysis portion
of problem solving. Toyota places high value on the ability to think logically
and creatively because a solid thinking process will produce the best results.
Every Toyota manager understands, above all, the value of human creativity—
that it is the single thing that will set them apart from their competition.
The analysis phase of problem solving should be an exploration into areas
previously not understood. It’s a bit of detective work, a bit of scientific exper-
imentation, and an opportunity to discover new things. Analysis is the “Ah-ha”
stage, the time to gather evidence, the time to repeatedly ask “Why?” and to find
the source of an issue, its root. When the root causes are discovered, the
“answers” to solve the problem become obvious. At this time “good thinking”
will generate the best solutions—highly effective, simple yet elegant, and low
cost, but not shoddy.
As Albert Einstein once said: “The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

Principles of Effective Analysis

Effective analysis is crucial for finding and understanding the many potential
causes of the problem. From those potential causes, it’s necessary to narrow the
field and focus on the most significant ones. Much of Toyota’s great success
stems from the ability to fully analyze a situation and understand the many

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