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Process analysis tools refer to problem solving approaches used to identify root causes of problems within system processes. These tools are often used proactively when designing new processes to anticipate where failures may develop, and to examine existing processes when failures have occurred.  Their use is an integral part of continuous quality improvement. Such tools emphasize the critical nature of well-designed processes to assist people in performing their best work.

Tools:

  • Cause and Effect Diagram
  • 5 Whys
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Resources

Use
Watch
  • 5 Whys – A brief article and video from IHI describing how to use the 5 whys (Video – 1:16)
  • Cause and Effect Diagram (also known as Fishbone Diagram) – A brief article and video from IHI describing how to use a cause and effect diagram (Video – 5:15)
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) – A brief article and video from IHI describing how to use a FMEA (Video – 2:20)