Cause Mapping^® FAQs
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Cause Mapping root cause analysis is a simple 3-step problem-solving process for defining, analyzing, and solving any type of problem. Cause Mapping root cause analysis is an extremely effective method of root cause analysis that is also used for process improvement and Six Sigma initiatives.

A Cause Map diagram is a visual representation of the cause-and-effect relationships that contribute to a problem. The construction of the Cause Map diagram provides a process for the analysis of the problem. The cause and effect map shows how all of the causes work together to create the problem.

Cause Mapping root cause analysis is based on three powerful principles: systems thinking, cause-and-effect, and visual communication. These three principles together provide a clear understanding of the Cause Mapping root cause analysis approach to effective root cause analysis.

Cause Mapping root cause analysis is particularly effective because it is so simple. The Cause Mapping process is based on sound principles so there is no new terminology or acronyms to learn. People learn the very basics of analysis. They learn that investigating or troubleshooting a complex problem means breaking it down into its basic cause-and-effect relationships.

Root cause analysis refers to the process of getting to the root of a problem in order to solve it for good, rather than focusing on the symptom of the problem. Cause Mapping root cause analysis demonstrates that the root is actually a system of causes, any one of which has possible solutions that can prevent the problem from occurring. Many organizations mistakenly try to identify the single root cause of a problem. Cause Mapping root cause analysis is the process of identifying the system of causes for a given problem and then finding effective solutions for those causes.

Because Cause Mapping root cause analysis is based on systems thinking, it can be scaled to whatever level of detail is required. For this reason, Cause Mapping root cause analysis can be used to troubleshoot day-to-day issues as well as investigate extremely complex problems that require very thorough and clear documentation.

Most organizations consider root cause analysis to be a search for the root cause or root causes of a problem. Cause Mapping root cause analysis focuses on finding specific solutions to preventing problems by matching them to specific causes. Cause Mapping root cause analysis identifies the system of causes for a problem to reveal all of the possible solutions. The best solutions are selected from the possible solutions identified. The output of Cause Mapping root cause analysis is specific actions to prevent problem reoccurrence.

A Cause Map diagram captures all of the causes identified by the people with first-hand information to create a complete picture of the problem. This not only improves the way people communicate when working a problem, it is also a significant improvement in the way organizations document and share information related to problems. Each problem analysis should grow the experience of those involved to help create organization focused on learning and prevention.

The most frequent comments regarding Cause Mapping root cause analysis are that it is extremely simple and very effective. By focusing on basic principles and eliminating unnecessary terminology and acronyms, Cause Mapping root cause analysis is widely viewed as a very effective methodology that is easy to learn, teach, apply, and implement.

Cause Mapping root cause analysis is about understanding fundamental cause-and-effect relationships. It can be documented with pen and paper, using Post-it notes on a wall in a group situation, or it can be captured electronically in a variety of readily available software tools. At its core, Cause Mapping root cause analysis affects the way people think about problems, causes, and solutions. It doesn’t have to be captured to be effective, but documentation is important for growing organizational experience.

The Cause Mapping root cause analysis process is used in a wide variety of industries, including petrochemical, refining, power, aeronautics, telecommunication, manufacturing, transportation, service, healthcare, education, information technology, and marine.

Cause Mapping root cause analysis is used for all different types of problems within an organization, including operations problems, safety incidents, environmental issues, manufacturing deficiencies, equipment failures, late deliveries, unclear work practices, ineffective communication, poor customer satisfaction, low sales, and missed service levels.

Cause Mapping root cause analysis is universally applicable because it is based on the principle of cause-and-effect. The cause-and-effect principle does not change from problem to problem -- it is a constant. There are no problems within a company that violate the principle of cause-and-effect.

Cause Mapping root cause analysis is used by front-line employees as well as executives. It is also used by managers, supervisors, engineers, analysts, and technicians. Because Cause Mapping root cause analysis is based on cause-and-effect principles, a consistent problem-solving methodology for defining, analyzing, and solving problems can be applied across an organization -- regardless of department or group. Individuals who specialize in investigating specific problems also find the Cause Mapping root cause analysis process particularly helpful.

Cause-and-effect is the basis of all problem solving. Organizations without a bias for cause-and-effect analysis supported with evidence waste significant time on speculation, opinion, and incomplete analyses. Using a cause and effect map is the opposite of the “stuff just happens” mentality.

The amount of detail for a particular analysis is always dictated by the impact the problem has had on the overall goals of the company. Problems with a more significant impact on the overall goals require a more detailed analysis than problems with less impact.