Solve complex technical problems without unnecessary detours
Part 2 from 2
In the first part of this paper, we encountered a dilemma that becomes increasingly acute as the complexity of the problem increases:
- The more possible causes we work out in problem solving, the lower the risk of overlooking the true cause....
- but the greater the verification effort to recognize the true cause in the thicket of hypotheses & opinions as such!
Are there methodological ways out of this dilemma?
In the following, we would like to present you a selection of techniques that allow you to completely dispense with the supposedly necessary intermediate step of 'listing suspected causes'!
By logical elimination, you avoid non-target analysis and take a straight path that leads you to the physical cause.
The problem-solving strategies presented below and
-You can apply these methods within the proven framework of the so-called 8-step approach (8D methodology):
- 8-step method: This structure-giving basic method ensures that required steps are run through and product defects are traced back to their causes & permanently eliminated.
The following advanced technical troubleshooting techniques and strategies will help you solve simple & complex product defects at customer and production sites quickly, cost-effectively & sustainably:
- 4-Diamond-Quick-Check: For simple problems you get to the cause in a flash - without having to analyze it.
- Logic-based problem solving: Instead of listing all 'conceivable suspects', a masterfully executed crime scene forensics often leads directly to the 'culprit' (problem cause).
- Contrast-based problem solving: Instead of having to secure numerous traces (time-consuming data collection), you use very few 'contrasts' that guide you unerringly to the physical cause even of highly complex product problems.
- Statistics-based problem solving: To crack particularly 'hard nuts', you can use statistical analysis techniques for selected questions to demonstrate statistical evidence for underlying causal relationships by comparing subgroups or using statistical correlations.
- Strategies for technical problem types: Almost every technical problem can be classified as one of 6 technical problem types. These cover the spectrum of technical problems significantly. For each problem type, field-proven analysis strategies and associated advanced tools are available to provide you with a point of attack to find the fastest path to the root cause:
Want more?
In April and May, we are holding our two-stage practical training to become a technical problem solver Specialist and Master - and would be very happy about your participation.
How to find out the main cause of a problem in a direct way?
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