To quickly identify the root cause of a problem by repeatedly asking “Why?” (typically five times) to drill down through layers of symptoms.
- Methodologien: Maschinenbau, Qualität
5 Gründe

5 Gründe
- 5 Gründe, Kontinuierliche Verbesserung, Schlanke Fertigung, Problemlösungs-Techniken, Prozessverbesserung, Qualitätskontrolle, Qualitätsmanagement, Analyse der Grundursache, Sechs Sigma
Zielsetzung:
Wie es verwendet wird:
- Starting with a problem statement, the question "Why?" is asked sequentially. Each answer forms the basis for the next "Why?" question, continuing until the underlying root cause is likely identified.
Vorteile
- Simple and easy to learn and apply; Requires no special tools or statistical analysis; Helps to quickly uncover deeper causes beyond superficial symptoms; Encourages critical thinking.
Nachteile
- May lead to simplistic answers if not probed deeply enough; Can be influenced by the investigator's biases or assumptions; May not be suitable for complex problems with multiple interacting causes; Results can vary depending on who is asking the questions.
Kategorien:
- Ideenfindung, Lean Sigma, Herstellung, Problemlösung, Qualität
Am besten geeignet für:
- Quickly identifying potential root causes for relatively simple problems and as an initial step in more complex RCAs.
Die 5 Gründe methodology is commonly applied in various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, software development, and service industries, serving as an effective approach during the initial stages of problem-solving or during quality control processes. Teams often employ this technique during analysis phases, specifically when defects or failures occur, allowing them to dissect issues in a structured manner. Initiated typically by team members involved in the affected process, such as engineers, quality assurance specialists, or operations personnel, this methodology can also benefit from the involvement of cross-functional groups to enrich the analysis with diverse perspectives. An example application could be in a manufacturing setting where a product is failing to meet quality standards; by repetitively asking “Why?” regarding the failure, teams can identify a lack of training as a contributing factor, enabling them to implement targeted training sessions that address specific deficiencies. This method is particularly suitable during the early investigative phase of root cause analysis, streamlining the process by quickly revealing deeper systemic issues that need to be addressed, thus acting as a precursor to more detailed analytical tools, such as fishbone diagrams or failure mode effects analysis (FMEA). Simplicity is a notable advantage as it requires no specialized equipment or software, allowing for immediate application in various contexts. Furthermore, the methodology promotes an environment of critical thinking, encouraging team members to dig deeper, challenge assumptions, and collaboratively work towards sustainable solutions.
Die wichtigsten Schritte dieser Methodik
- State the problem clearly and concisely.
- Ask "Why?" regarding the problem statement.
- Document the answer to the first "Why?".
- Ask "Why?" again based on the previous answer.
- Repeat this process until five "Why?" questions have been asked.
- Analyze the final answer to identify potential root causes.
Profi-Tipps
- Involve a diverse team to gather varying viewpoints and insights at each questioning stage.
- Document each "Why?" and corresponding answer to track thought processes and identify patterns.
- Apply the findings from the 5 Whys as a basis for hypothesis testing or further investigation techniques.
Verschiedene Methoden lesen und vergleichen, Wir empfehlen die
> Umfassendes Methoden-Repository <
zusammen mit den über 400 anderen Methoden.
Ihre Kommentare zu dieser Methodik oder zusätzliche Informationen sind willkommen auf der Kommentarbereich unten ↓ , sowie alle ingenieursbezogenen Ideen oder Links.
Verwandte Artikel
METS-Kalorien-Rechner
Meta-Analyse
Nachrichten-Mapping
Mentalmodell-Diagramme
Maximal zulässige Druck- und Zugkräfte
Materialbedarfsplanung (MRP)