PROBLEM SOLVING- A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

PROBLEM SOLVING EDUCATION SERIES-PART 1

Fact: Problem Solving is one of key component of Operational Improvement.
​Problems exist when there is a gap between current condition with expected performance. Many organizations often face gap in performance, specifically potential failure to meet customer needs. Process not operating at optimum, products/services not meeting specifications, delay in delivery of products and services, high number of rejections are just some of examples of operational issues.

Organizations also face recurring problems which was solved earlier, thus leading to fire-fighting by key personal. This is most likely due to people addressing the surface causes and not root causes of the  problem.

A simple example is you visit your doctor for fever. The doctor says, the throat is inflamed that could have caused the fever. Medication is given, but few weeks later you visit the doctor again with the same issue and cause. The medication is treat the throat. But what caused the throat inflammation? Without addressing the root cause, it likely that visit to the doctor maybe frequent.
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Problems are solved most effectively when we address the root causes. There are many problem solving frameworks available that will help teams to solve problem systematically and in a sustainable way.

Good news, is most of the framework  are almost similar in approach.
Here we would like to introduce our 7 Step Problem Solving Framework. Systematic problem solving is a core competency that must be mastered by organizations that will ensure continuous improvement of the organizational systems.

The 7 Steps Summary
    1. Define the problem / Problem Statement

• End product of this step is to establish a clear problem statement. Establish the background to the problem. Current process flow and performance level and impact on the business and customer.

     2. Establish Target

• Setting target keeps the team focused on what need to be achieved. Targets should support operational goals such as reduce machine downtime by 15%. The target shall be specific, measurable,achievable, realistic and time bound.

​       3. Identify and Verify Root Causes

• This step is a critical and important step. Different types of tools are used to drill down the root cause(s) of the problem.

     4. Develop potential solutions

• In this step potential solutions are generate to address the root cause(s) identified.  Generate action plans for the solutions with details of implementation.

     5. Implement the Solutions, Monitor and Measure

•  This is the action phase of the steps. Action plans are communicated with relevant stakeholders and implemented. The teams meets regularly to measure the progress.

      6.  Analyse  and Evaluate Results

• Analyse the results to verify if the targets set in STEP 2 is met.Evaluate the results if the solution is addressing the problem. Standardize the improvement. Communicate to relevant stakeholders. Continue to monitor.

      7. Reflect and Act

•   Reflect on the problem solving process. What went well? What can be improved? Act to ensure future process will be improved. 

In future articles we will elaborate further each steps with recommended tools
PROBLEM SOLVING SERIES-PART 2 is ready

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