The Importance of Problem Solving

8D Problem Solving/Root Cause Analysis is a proven and powerful yet simple step-by-step approach to reducing recurring customer complaints, waste, scrap, rework and the associated costs.

WHAT IS A PROBLEM?



A problem is the GAP between the current situation and customer satisfaction.

Described as the gap between the existing standard or expectation and the actual situation (process, product, or service)..

Problems Are the Seeds for Improvement!

Problems Are Positive Opportunities!

If There Are No Problems Then Something Is Wrong!

Problem solving is an essential skill for all employees, supported and led by leadership and it is possible to hone your ability to solve problems and make your business run more effectively and, therefore, provide the foundation and framework for continual improvement.

1. A problem is an opportunity for improvement. A problem can be a real break, the stroke of luck, opportunity knocking, a chance to get out of the rut of the everyday and make yourself or some situation better. Note that problems need not arrive as a result of external factors or bad events. Any new awareness you have that allows you to see possibilities for improvement brings a “problem” for you to solve. This is why the most creative people are “problem seekers” rather than “problem avoiders.”

2. A problem is the difference between your current state and your goal state. A problem can result from new knowledge or thinking, customer feedback, or internal metrics. When you know where you are and where you want to be, you have a problem to solve in getting to your destination. The solution can and should be fun and exciting as you think over the various possible solution paths you might choose. When you can identify the difference between what you have and what you want, you have defined your problem and can aim toward your goal.

3. A problem results from the recognition of a present imperfect situation and the belief in the possibility of a better future. Hope produces problems? The belief that your hopes can be achieved will give you the will to aim toward the better future. Your hopes challenge you, and challenge is another definition of a problem.

8 Disciplines (8D) – TOPS

The 8 Disciplines (8D) approach, sometimes also referred to as “Team-Oriented Problem Solving” (TOPS), was developed within Ford Motor Company in the 1980s. As the names imply, the approach involves a cross-functional team following eight guidelines (or steps) that have been designed to enable the team to understand a problem, resolve it and take steps to prevent the same or similar problems from recurring in the future. The approach consists of the following 8 Disciplines (8Ds).

Problem solving, team building (PSTB) is a structured way of making breakthrough progress on an intractable problem by using the power of the team. It is an antidote to those unstructured, time-consuming meetings that discuss a problem but seldom arrive at any concrete way forward.

The benefits are that the owner of the problem goes away with actions that form future plans, firm supported actions and team members feel they have worked together to solve and work together on the problem as an opportunity for improvement.

So if you want to reduce and eliminate significant recurring problems, improve operational and financial performance, and develop a repeatable approach to resolving problems explore the application of 8D Problem Solving