Fishbone Diagram:
A Powerful Problem-Solving
Tool for Root Cause Analysis

What is a Fishbone Diagram?

Resembling a fish's skeleton, the bone diagram derives its name from its appearance. Also known as the Ishikawa diagram or Cause and Effect diagram, Fishbone Diagram is a visual management tool that studies the potential causes of a problem and discovers the root cause of it. This structured fish diagram aids in categorising the causes and offers a clear framework to showcase them. By using the Fishbone chart effectively, teams can ensure they tackle the actual underlying cause of the issue instead of using quick fixes. Developed by Kaoru Ishikawa, the Fishbone Diagram gained popularity during the 1960s and has become a fundamental part of various modern quality management methodologies, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

When to Use a Fishbone Diagram?

The Ishikawa diagram is a visual tool that benefits entrepreneurs and individuals across diverse industries by offering a visual representation of the cause-and-effect analysis of the problem. Typical examples of its application include solving manufacturing problems and incorporating it into the seven tools of Quality methodology.

Some scenarios where a Fish bone analysis can be helpful are:

• Improving problem-solving by maintaining a clear focus on the issue.
• Identifying potential root causes for a specific issue and revealing bottlenecks, understanding why a process may not function correctly.
• Analysing complex problems with multiple contributing factors.
• Gaining different perspectives to understand the problem thoroughly.
• Streamlining the thinking process, especially when traditional problem-solving methods are time-consuming.
• Acting as a great motivator to tackle intricate problems and uncovering creative solutions.

How to Use a Fishbone Diagram?

• Step 1

  Define the Problem
  The initial step in problem-solving is accurately defining the problem. A well-defined problem statement includes a measurable objective that determines success. In the cause and effect analysis, the problem statement takes the position of the "head" of the fish, with each "bone" in the diagram representing a category of potential causes, with the most impactful causes placed closest to the head.
• Step 2

  Determine Cause Categories
  The potential causes are arranged under various categories, represented by the bones, and this varies for the different industries. The number of categories depends on the type and complexity of the problem.
• Step 3

  Brainstorm possible Reasons and identify the underlying factors
  With the defined categories, the team studies and identifies all the individual elements that influence the results. All relevant factors within each category are listed here.
• Step 4

  Analyse the Diagram and define the next steps
  The Fishbone Diagram does not offer a direct solution but provides valuable insights into where to concentrate efforts. By identifying potential causes systematically, the team can assess their impact and brainstorm possible solutions. Although addressing the identified improvement opportunities can be done simultaneously, the fishbone diagram will help the team form a strong foundation for the next improvement cycle once critical root causes have been resolved.

What are the benefits of a Cause and Effect diagram?

Fishbone diagrams offer a structured and visual approach to problem-solving, facilitating collaboration, analysis, and decision-making. Focusing on root causes empowers teams to implement effective and lasting solutions, ultimately improving processes and outcomes.

Using a fishbone diagram offers several benefits across various fields and problem-solving scenarios.

• Visual Representation: Fishbone diagrams present information in a visual and easy-to-understand manner, which helps teams quickly grasp the relationships between the problem and its potential causes.
• Root Cause Analysis: The structured nature of the fishbone diagram allows teams to systematically analyse and explore various factors contributing to the problem, facilitating the identification of the root causes.
• Comprehensive Analysis: The fishbone diagram encourages teams to consider multiple categories of possible causes (such as the 6 M's - Man, Machine, Material, Method, Measurement, and Environment). This comprehensive analysis reduces the risk of overlooking critical factors.
• Collaboration and Communication: Creating a fishbone diagram often involves group brainstorming sessions. This collaborative process fosters better communication among team members, leading to a shared understanding of the problem and its complexities.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Fishbone diagrams use facts and evidence to identify causes rather than assumptions or guesses. This data-driven approach improves decision-making and increases the likelihood of successful solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Fishbone diagrams are widely used in continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean and Six Sigma. By addressing root causes, organisations can implement more effective and sustainable improvements.
• Problem Prioritisation: Fishbone diagrams help teams prioritise their efforts by highlighting the most significant contributing factors. This way, teams can focus on addressing the most critical issues first.
• Risk Reduction: By targeting root causes, fishbone diagrams reduce the risk of recurring problems. Addressing the underlying issues prevents the problem from resurfacing in the future.
• Time and Resource Efficiency: The systematic approach of fishbone diagrams prevents teams from wasting time and resources on superficial solutions that do not address the core problem.
• Versatility: Fishbone diagrams can be used for a wide range of problems and scenarios, making them a valuable tool in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, software development, project management, and more.
• Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Fishbone diagrams promote organisational learning. By visualising the causes and solutions, teams can share knowledge and experiences more effectively within the organisation.

Why should we use a Cause-and-Effect Diagram?

Using a Cause-and-Effect Diagram, also known as a Fishbone Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram, offers several valuable benefits, making it a helpful tool for problem-solving and improvement initiatives. Here are some reasons why you should consider using a Cause-and-Effect Diagram:

• Identify Root Causes: The primary purpose of a Cause-and-Effect Diagram is to help uncover the root causes of a problem or an effect. By visually representing and organising all potential cases into categories, the diagram provides a structured approach to identifying the underlying factors contributing to the issue.
• Visual Representation: The diagram offers a clear and visual representation of the cause-and-effect relationships. It helps teams and stakeholders understand the complex interplay of various causes, making it easier to grasp the broader picture of the problem.
• Team Collaboration: The Cause-and-Effect Diagram facilitates team collaboration and brainstorming sessions. Team members can contribute their ideas and insights, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving and ensuring a more comprehensive analysis.
• Focus on Problem-Solving: By organising potential causes into categories, the diagram enables teams to concentrate on specific areas and possible causes most likely to impact the problem. This focus enhances the efficiency of problem-solving efforts.
• Versatility: Cause-and-effect diagrams can be applied in various industries and sectors, making them suitable for almost any problem or effect encountered in different contexts, from manufacturing to service industries.
• Prevent Band-Aid Solutions: The structured approach of the diagram helps avoid superficial or Band-Aid solutions to problems. Instead, it encourages teams to address the root causes, leading to more sustainable and practical solutions.
• Process Improvement: The diagram is not only useful for troubleshooting existing problems but also for process improvement initiatives. It aids in identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for enhancement within a process.
• Data-Driven Analysis: The diagram encourages data-driven analysis and decision-making. By incorporating relevant data and evidence into the diagram, teams can make more informed judgments about the potential causes.
• Continuous Improvement: The Cause-and-Effect Diagram aligns with the principles of continuous improvement and quality management methodologies, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. It supports ongoing efforts to identify and address problems systematically.

What are the 6 elements of the Fishbone Diagram?

Also known as the Ishikawa Diagram or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, the Fishbone diagram typically consists of six main elements, represented as "bones", that help categorise potential causes of a problem.

• Problem or Effect: Displayed at the head or the mouth of the fishbone, this is the issue or undesired outcome that the team aims to investigate and address. The problem statement should be clear, specific, and measurable.
• Major Cause Categories: The primary branches extend from the main arrow of the diagram, representing major categories of potential causes. The categories may vary depending on the specific context, but common ones include:
  • Man - Refers to the people involved in the process or task.
  • Methods - Involves the procedures or standard work used in the process.
  • Machines - Encompasses the equipment and tools used in the process.
  • Materials - Involves the raw materials or inputs used in the process.
  • Measurements - Represents the data and metrics used to evaluate the process.
  • Mother Nature (Environment) - Includes external factors or conditions affecting the process.
• Potential Causes: Under each major cause category, potential causes are listed. These specific factors or reasons contribute to the problem or effect. Brainstorming is typically used to generate these possible causes.
• Sub-causes: For each potential cause, teams may continue asking "Why?" to dig deeper and uncover more detailed or specific factors contributing to the cause. These sub-causes are listed as branches extending from the potential causes.
• Analysis and Understanding: As the Fishbone Diagram is developed, it helps teams analyse and understand the relationships between the potential causes and the problem. It aids in identifying possible root causes by organising the causes into categories.
• Solutions and Improvement: Once the potential causes and relationships are identified and analysed, the Fishbone Diagram serves as a foundation for developing targeted solutions and improvement actions. By addressing the root causes identified on the diagram, teams can implement effective corrective measures to prevent the problem from recurring.

What are the 4 S's of the Fishbone Diagram?

The Four S's, along with the major cause categories mentioned earlier, help provide a comprehensive analysis of potential causes in a Fishbone Diagram. They allow teams to explore various aspects of the problem and identify contributing factors from different perspectives.

• Surroundings (Environment): This category includes factors related to the external environment or conditions in which the process or problem occurs. It considers elements such as temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, and other external factors that might influence the outcome.
• Suppliers: The Suppliers category involves factors related to the sources of materials, equipment, or inputs used in the process. Issues like supplier quality, delivery delays, or inconsistencies in the provided materials fall under this category.
• Systems: This category encompasses factors related to the processes, procedures, or overall systems in place. It considers elements like organisational policies, rules, regulations, and other systemic factors that might contribute to the problem.
• Skills: The Skills category refers to the expertise, knowledge, and capabilities of the individuals involved in the process. It includes factors such as the level of training, experience, and workforce proficiency.

What is Six Sigma Fishbone Analysis?

Six Sigma fishbone analysis, also known as the Six Sigma Cause-and-Effect Analysis, is a problem-solving tool used within the framework of Six Sigma methodology. It is an extended version of the traditional Fishbone Diagram, explicitly tailored for Six Sigma projects to identify and analyse potential causes of a problem. The Six Sigma fishbone analysis aims to systematically explore and categorise potential root causes of a problem or defect, enabling the project team to prioritise improvement efforts and target the most critical issues. Organisations implement targeted solutions by understanding the underlying factors contributing to the problem and significantly improving quality, efficiency, and overall performance.

What is Fishbone in 7 QC tools?

In the context of the 7 Quality Control (QC) Tools, the Fishbone Diagram, also known as the Ishikawa Diagram or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, is a fundamental tool for problem-solving and quality improvement. The 7 QC tools are a set of techniques used in quality management and process improvement to identify, analyse, and address quality-related issues.

The Fishbone Diagram is one of the seven tools and is particularly helpful in determining the root causes of problems or defects in a process. It provides a structured approach to brainstorming and categorising potential causes, facilitating a deeper understanding of the relationships between various factors contributing to the problem. By using the Fishbone Diagram as part of the 7 QC tools, organisations can systematically analyse and address quality-related issues, leading to improved processes, reduced defects, and enhanced overall performance. The Fishbone Diagram aligns with the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle principles, emphasising continuous improvement and problem-solving in quality management.

What are Fishbone Techniques?

Fishbone techniques refer to the various methods and approaches used to create and analyse Fishbone Diagrams. These techniques are employed to identify potential causes of a problem or effect, categorise them, and analyse their relationships in a structured and systematic manner. Some of the common fishbone techniques include brainstorming, 5 Whys, Multi-voting, Pareto Analysis, 4 M1 E, 6 M and Interrelationship diagram. These fishbone techniques provide structure and guidance for the problem-solving process and enable teams to gain a deeper understanding of the causes of the problem. By employing these techniques, organisations can effectively identify root causes and develop targeted solutions to improve processes and outcomes.

Why is Fishbone better than 5 Whys?

The Fishbone Diagram and the 5 Whys are both valuable tools for root cause analysis and problem-solving, but they serve different purposes and offer unique benefits. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and complexity of the problem. Here are some reasons why the Fishbone Diagram can be considered better than the 5 Whys in certain situations:

• Visual Representation: The Fishbone Diagram provides a visual representation of potential causes categorised into major cause categories. This visual structure helps teams effectively organise and understand the relationships between different causes. It encourages a broader brainstorming of possible causes compared to the linear approach of the 5 Whys.
• Categorisation of Causes: The Fishbone Diagram allows causes to be grouped into major categories, such as Manpower, Methods, Machines, Materials, and Measurements (the 5 Ms), which can help teams identify different dimensions of the problem. This categorisation makes it easier to identify potential causes that may have been overlooked using the 5 Whys.
• Team Collaboration: The Fishbone Diagram is typically created in a team setting through brainstorming sessions. This collaborative approach fosters a broader range of perspectives and input from team members, leading to a more comprehensive list of potential causes.
• Systematic Approach: The Fishbone Diagram offers a more structured and systematic approach to problem-solving. It helps teams organise their analysis and ensures that all major cause categories are considered. This can be beneficial when dealing with complex problems with multiple potential causes.
• Data Analysis: The Fishbone Diagram can be used with data analysis techniques to prioritise potential causes based on their impact or frequency. This data-driven approach helps teams focus on the most critical reasons and allocate resources more effectively.
• Identifying Multiple Causes: The Fishbone Diagram allows teams to identify multiple potential causes under each significant category. This helps uncover interrelated factors and helps prevent oversimplifying the analysis to a single reason, which can happen in the 5 Whys.

However, it's important to note that the 5 Whys also have advantages, especially for simpler problems or when a quick analysis is needed. The 5 Whys technique is straightforward to apply, making it a helpful tool for initial problem exploration. In contrast, the Fishbone Diagram is more suitable for in-depth and comprehensive analysis, particularly for complex or recurring problems requiring a broader perspective. Therefore, the choice between the two tools depends on the problem's nature, the team's expertise, and the depth of analysis needed to uncover the root causes effectively.

Is Fishbone Diagram a problem-solving tool?

Yes, the Fishbone Diagram is a problem-solving tool widely used in various industries and problem-solving methodologies to identify and analyse potential causes of a problem or effect. The primary purpose of the Fishbone Diagram is to systematically explore and brainstorm possible reasons that contribute to a specific problem or outcome. By visually representing the cause-and-effect relationships, it helps teams understand the root causes of the problem rather than just addressing the signs.

The Fishbone Diagram is an indispensable tool in quality management, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma methodologies. It guides teams through a structured analysis, categorisation, and prioritisation of potential causes, enabling them to identify the most critical factors influencing the problem. Using the Fishbone Diagram, teams can perform root cause analysis and take a proactive approach to problem-solving. It encourages collaboration and input from team members, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of various perspectives. Overall, the Fishbone Diagram supports the problem-solving process by providing a visual and organised framework to investigate and address the underlying causes of a problem, leading to effective solutions and continuous improvement.

What Is a Fishbone Diagram Template?

A Fishbone Diagram Template is a pre-designed, blank, or partially filled Fishbone Diagram that serves as a starting point for creating a Fishbone Diagram for a specific problem or analysis. The template provides a structured framework and categories, making it easier for users to organise and visualise potential causes of a problem or effect.

The Fishbone Diagram Template typically includes the following components:

• Problem or Effect Statement: The template contains a section at the "head" or mouth of the fishbone where users can write a clear and concise statement of the problem or effect they are investigating.
• Major Cause Categories: The template includes the major cause categories, often referred to as the "5 Ms" (Manpower, Methods, Machines, Materials, and Measurements), as well as other potential categories like "Mother Nature" or "Management" depending on the template's design.
• Blank Branches: The template provides blank branches under each major cause category where users can write potential causes that they brainstorm during the analysis.
• Guidelines or Instructions: Some templates may include guidelines or instructions on how to use the Fishbone Diagram effectively, such as encouraging brainstorming, applying the 5 Whys technique, and prioritising causes.
• Space for Additional Information: There may be space provided for adding notes, data, or other relevant information to support the analysis.

Using a Fishbone Diagram Template helps ensure the analysis is well-organised, comprehensive, and systematic. It allows users to focus on identifying potential causes and performing root cause analysis rather than spending time creating the diagram from scratch. Ishikawa templates also facilitate collaboration among team members and provide a clear visual representation of the analysis, enhancing communication with stakeholders involved in the problem-solving process.

What are examples of a Fishbone Diagram?

Fishbone Diagrams can be used to analyse and understand the potential causes of a wide range of problems or effects in various industries and contexts. Here are some examples of Fishbone Diagrams:

• Manufacturing Defects: A Fishbone diagram example in manufacturing can be used to identify potential causes of defects in products. The categories may include Manpower, Methods, Machines, Materials, Measurements, and Mother Nature (environmental factors).
• Customer Complaints: A Fishbone Diagram can help analyse the root causes of customer complaints in a service-oriented business. The categories might include People (customer service representatives), Processes, Policies, Procedures, and Product (service offerings).
• Delays in Project Execution: For project management, a Fishbone Diagram can be employed to explore reasons for delays in project execution. The major categories could be Manpower, Methods, Machines (tools or technology), Materials, and Measurements (performance metrics).
• Hospital Patient Falls: A Fishbone Diagram in healthcare quality improvement can be used to investigate factors contributing to patient falls. Categories may include Staff (nursing staff), Systems (communication protocols), Surroundings (patient environment), Suppliers (medical equipment), and Skills (training).
• High Employee Turnover: A Fishbone Diagram can help identify potential causes of high employee turnover in an organisation. Categories include Management (leadership), Motivation (incentives and recognition), Methodology (work processes), and Money (compensation).
• Website Downtime: In IT, a Fishbone Diagram can be used to analyse reasons for frequent website downtime. Categories may include Machines (servers and hardware), Methods (maintenance procedures), Management (IT governance), and Mother Nature (external factors like power outages).
• Low Sales Performance: A Fishbone Diagram can be applied to understand the reasons behind low sales performance in a retail business. Categories might include Product (product quality and features), Price, Promotion (marketing strategies), and Place (distribution channels).
• Software Bugs: In software development, a Fishbone Diagram can help identify potential causes of recurring software bugs. Categories could include Code (programming errors), Configuration (settings and parameters), and Compatibility (integration issues).
• Banking: A Fishbone diagram Example for the banking industry uses the cause and effect analysis diagram to identify the root causes of long wait times and take proactive steps to enhance customer experience and satisfaction at their branches.