Objectives | Methodology | Outline

Many of the problems we face in business can be prevented from occurring or recurring. However, this is easier said than done. Albert Einstein once said that we cannot solve our problems at the same level of thinking which brought them. Yet, in many cases, organizations try to resolve problems and issues with the same thinking and approach which fail to prevent such problems from recurring in the first place. Hence, organizations end up dealing with similar problems over and over again until it becomes a vicious cycle.

Hence, what is required is the discipline to re-examine the way organizations deal with problems and adopt better approaches in resolving them.

There are various models to solving problems. Most of these models are similar in their bias for fact-based orientation, root cause analysis, and identification of corrective/preventive actions.

8D differs in some important ways. First, the name itself already captures the spirit required in problem solving - Discipline. Second, it includes critical elements which are otherwise missing in the other models such as bias for Team-based approach, Recognizing achievement, and the inclusion of "Escape Point." Third, for companies dealing with automotives, 8D is very much appropriate since the model was pioneered by Ford Motors as part of its global best practices. Now it has been adopted in many industries including service-oriented companies.

The seminar on using 8D To Better Solve Problems is a two-day workshop. Participants will learn how to use various tools embedded in the 8D approach ranging from problem definition to problem resolution.

In general, the purpose of the workshop is for an organization to adopt and institutionalize the use of a global best practice in solving problems using a team-oriented and systemic approach thereby increasing its effectiveness in preventing the occurrence or recurrence of such problems.

Course Objectives

Define problems correctly using appropriate tools like Defect + Object

Distinguish between symptoms and causes

Use the appropriate analysis tools to analyze the Root Cause/s of a given problem

Distinguish among Corrections, Corrective and Preventive Actions

Identify the right solutions or corrective actions using appropriate Decision-making tools

Course Methodology

Guided Discussion

Demonstration / Illustration

Workshop

Exercises

Course Outline

Day 1

What is Problem Solving?

Why Use a Structured Model?

Why Team-Based?

Fact-based Approach: The Importance of Data

Overview of the Different Problem Solving Models

The 8D Model

• D-0 Prepare for the 8-D Process

• Define & Quantify Symptom

• Identify Customer & Affected Parties

• Determine Emergency Response Action (ERA)

• D-1 Establish a team

• D-2 Describe Problem

• Importance of Properly Describing a Problem

• Tools for Describing Problems: Is/Is Not & Object+Defect

• Exercise on Describing Problems

• D-3 Develop Interim Containment Actions

• Identification of Appropriate Interim Containment Action

• Verification & Validation of 'Interim Containment Action'

• D-4 Define/Verify Root Cause/Escape Point

• Finding the 'Escape Point' using Process Mapping & Barrier Analysis

• Using Tools for Cause & Effect Analysis ( Ishikawa Diagram, Pareto Chart, etc.)

• Verification of Root Cause

DAY 2

• D-5 Choose the Corrective Action & Verify

• Using Decision Making Tools To Identify Right Solutions/Permanent Corrective Action (PCA)

• D-6 Implement Corrective Action(s)

• Developing a Corrective Action Plan

• Monitoring Corrective Action Plan

• Reporting Progress

• D-7 Prevent Recurrence

• D-8 Congratulate The Team

• Recognizing team effort in resolving problems

Synthesis

• Practice Exercise

Wrap-up / Next Steps

• Selecting Top 3-5 Recurring Problems To Work On

• Designating the initial 8D Teams

• 8D Program Implementation Roadmap