The fishbone diagram or Ishikawa diagram is a diagram of cause and effect that helps managers monitor the reasons for imperfections, changes, flaws, or failures.
The diagram looks much like the skeleton of a fish with the problem at its head and the sources of the problem feeding into the spine. When all of the triggers underlying the issue have been found, managers may continue to look for solutions to ensure that the problem does not become recurring.
Using problem-solving solutions will ensure the success of your operation. Here is some essential information you need to know to enhance your organization’s efficiency using the fishbone diagram.
Where it All Started
In the 1960s, Karou Ishikawa resurrected the fishbone diagram concept to address problems in the Kawasaki shipyards, and the theory quickly spread.
Even back in the 60s, there was nothing new about the fishbone diagram. It was seen as an effective method of quality control in the 1920s. The famous Mazda Miata car was designed to solve the problems found in a fishbone diagram. Even considerations such as designing the doors of the sportscar so that the driver can rest his arm on it while driving was taken into account using this diagram.
Variation Equals Imperfection
Variation is your enemy when it comes to consistency and performance. You don’t want to leave something up to chance, no matter what your business is.
A predictable procedure should be followed from the moment your customer contacts you. Variation in the process will signify product or service variation.
Fishbone diagrams help you identify the variables that could enter the equation. They encourage you to make your preparations and know how to manage them so that your final product’s quality is up to par and without any variance.
How to Use the Diagram for Organizational Planning
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Firstly, write down the exact issue that you are facing. Identify who’s involved, what the problem is, and when and where it happens.
Then write the problem into a box on the left side of a large sheet of paper and draw a horizonta line from the box across the page. This structure looks like a fish’s head and spine and gives you space for ideas to evolve.
Step 2: Work Out the Major Factors
Next, identify any factors that may be part of the issue. Those may be structures, equipment, materials, outside forces, people involved in the problem, etc.
Seek to get as many of these as you can. As a starting point, you can use models such as the McKinsey 7S Paradigm (which offers you Strategy, Structure, Processes, Common Principles, Expertise, Style, and Staff as important factors) or the Marketing 4Ps (which offers, as possible factors, Product, Location Quality, and Promotion).
Brainstorm what other factors may affect the situation. Then draw a line for every element from the diagram’s “spine,” and mark each line.
Step 3: Identify Possible Causes
Now, visualize potential causes of the issue that could be linked to the factor for each of the factors you considered in Step 2.
Show these potential triggers as the diagram’s “bones” come from shorter lines. Where a cause is broad or complicated, then breaking it down into sub-causes might be better. Display these as lines coming off of any line of origin.
Step 4: Analyze the Diagram
You will have a diagram at this point showing all the potential causes of the problem you are talking about.
You can now investigate the most likely triggers, based on the severity and significance of the problem. It could include launching inquiries, conducting surveys, and so on.
This will be designed to check which of these possible triggers actually contributes to the problem.
Advantages of Using the Fishbone Diagram in Any Organization
These are the significant advantages to the fishbone diagram in keeping with fishbone purpose and process.
- It describes the relationships between cause and effect in problems.
- The approach operates by making joint brainstorming discussions.
- Brainstorming facilitates wide-ranging thought, moving teams away from patterns of thinking “in a rut.”
- Such diagrams repeatedly ask at-point, “why does this happen,” as each possible cause is identified.
- Fishbone allows related causes to be prioritized because the common underlying root cause is first addressed.
Conclusion
A fishbone diagram system takes all the advantages and provides a detailed image of the risk profile of an organization as a whole. A fishbone diagram library is a comprehensive portrait of both major and minor root causes in the operating environment and thematic issues in the working environment that trigger safety concerns.
Try using this in your organization or business now!
