Owning up to errors can be very difficult. Society largely treats errors unfavorably. Our first reaction after committing an error often is to find out if anyone else is aware of the error. If not, can it be hidden away so no one finds out?
Sologic Sr. VP Brian Hughes discusses how to better manage human error in the context of work.
Business Improvement is crucial. However, for Business Improvement to be truly ‘continuous,’ the improvement must also be sustainable – we need to be confident that we can build on the progress already made. This requires us to understand why those things that are hindering us are happening.
Preserve evidence essential to a successful root cause analysis while securing the area, getting back to safe mode, navigating people issues and needs, and minimizing downtime.
Avoid repeat failures and lost production or profits by using a structured approach to problem solving.
Improve RCA report quality and more effectively share improvement ideas throughout the organization by setting up a safety review board.
Successful IT problem-solving organizations are increasingly implementing formal root cause analysis (RCA) within their ITIL problem management structure to more effectively analyze problems and prevent negative impacts on the business.
By designating, training and preparing employees ahead of time, and continuously practicing and refreshing training, organizations can be well-equipped to effectively prevent and respond to safety incidents.
Companies that need to manage the risks of a complex global supply chain are most successful when they proactively solve problems through a robust Solution Management System (SMS) built on a solid, adaptable root cause analysis program.
Training in an effective root cause analysis methodology and careful program implementation can resolve recurring problems chalked up to human error, and help accomplish training goals.
Lack of thorough process knowledge is the most powerful factor that limits or destroys improvement initiatives. Root cause analysis delivers process knowledge that supports improvement initiatives and earns management support.
RCA program champions can prove the program's benefits, cost savings and profit generation within the context of revenue goals, inspiring senior leaders to recognize the return-on-investment and investing more in the RCA program -- paying off in the short and long term.
When the cause of a problem is identified as human error and disciplinary action is the chosen solution, it doesn't really improve the long-term error rate, but instead actually increases risk and cover-up attempts. By providing people with a more robust way to identify conditional causes, solutions will more likely be identified that fix the problem permanently and reduce risk.
According to long-time ship captain, Eddie Janson, the groundings of the M/V Rena and the Costa Concordia point out important lessons when seen through the eyes of a root cause analysis expert. So far, the response to these incidents seems to have focused mostly on human error as the cause and punitive actions as the solution. But the purpose of a root cause analysis is not to find someone to blame, it is to prevent an undesired event from happening again. We have to ask, why was it possible to make this error? What safeguards should have been in place to prevent it?
This software takes RCA beyond traditional fishbone diagrams to include multiple cause charts (ranging from a few to hundreds of causes…), a nice desktop management and workflow system, a standardized and easy-to-follow reporting process, and powerful data-mining abilities. Key features include collaboration and workflow management, and the common cause report. This kind of software has replaced the tedious days of creating fishbone diagrams in Excel. …it [used to] take four to five people significant time to investigate common themes between events. Now, Causelink has placed that power into one person’s hands, making it easier to address repeat systemic problems. In total, this software really takes traditional RCA and significantly extends its efficiency and effectiveness.