Cause Keep it

Mapping Simple
®

Problem Solving • Root Cause Analysis • Risk Mitigation

Step 1. Problem Define the Problem

Answer the basic questions in the Problem Outline.

Step 2. Analysis
Cause-and-Effect Timeline
Start with 3 to 5 Whys The sequence of events.

Start with a simple 3 to 5-Whys (cause-and-effect

order).
Write down the sequence of events (time order).

Step 3. Solutions Select Action Items

Propose solution ideas, then select the best Each action item is a project.
Follow-up should evaluate
one(s). effectiveness.

Copyright 2018 ThinkReliability

Step 1. Define the Problem

What Problem(s)
When Date
Time
Anything unusual or different?
Where Facility, site
Unit, area, equipment
Task being performed
Impact to each Goal
Safety
Environmental
Production, Schedule, Quality
Property, Equipment
Labor, Time
This incident ?
Frequency

Annualized Cost ?
 Possible solution:
Step 2. Analysis AND/OR

Cause Map 5-Why

OR

Evidence:
AND

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Impact to
Goal
Timeline
Date Time Description
Step 3. Solutions
Action Items
Since solutions control specific causes, every action item (solution) should correspond to a cause from the Cause Map.

No. Solution Cause Owner(s) Date Due

1
2
3