Wait, we’re supposed to IMPLEMENT the solutions?

What good is a solution if it’s not put to use?  I’ve witnessed good Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations with great solution ideas that aren’t effective because the implementation failed.  The reason you build the cause and effect chart is to discover causes that you can control and/or eliminate.  Knowing what caused the event to happen and applying solutions that prevent recurrence, is essential.  However, this knowledge is not enough.  If you don’t implement those solutions, you’ll never prevent the problem, which is the overarching goal of an RCA.

Generating solutions isn’t the light at the end of the tunnel, but it feels like it.  Unfortunately, this important step can sometimes be an afterthought.  Developing a solid plan for implementation ensures solutions will generate the expected outcome of the investigation – preventing problem recurrence.

Remember these 2 keys to effective solution implementation:

1. Roles of the RCA Team: Participants in the RCA decide what to do and how to do it.  They are the subject matter experts and are well-suited to develop great solutions.  They’ll also know the best way to get solutions implemented.  Facilitators help document the solutions, implementation plan, and will work with management to gain support for the solutions.  Make sure to define this important role early in the investigation and you’ll be more likely to see approved solutions get implemented.
2. Create an action item for each solution:  The action item will include the solution, the person responsible for implementation, and the due date.  Be sure to include any additional commentary on the solutions that will eliminate ambiguity. Tracking and validating the implementation of each solution helps ensure that your great ideas for preventing problem recurrence get put into action.

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