The Five Why Model

In theory, one can easily learn this tool. In practice, this tool is much more difficult to apply. When a problem initially occurs, we all have an immediate reaction as to the cause of that problem. However, that immediate reaction is a surface reaction only. When it comes to examining processes or systems, there are other deeper root causes for that problem. 5Y helps us find the fundamental root causes of a given problem. 5 why problem solving helps us uncover the details behind the problem. How does the 5Y tool work? Here is a quick flow... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Problem Why did Why did Why did Why did Why did occurs that problem occur = sub sub root cause #1 occur? sub root cause #2 occur? sub root cause #3 occur? sub root cause #4 occur?

root cause = sub root = sub root = sub root = key root

#1 cause cause cause cause

#2 #3 #4 #5

5Y means we asked the question "why" 5 times from the problem statement until you reach the primary root cause. The primary root cause or key root cause directly determines the other sub root causes. When solving the problem, you focus your efforts on the key root cause. For each why question, you focus on the last sub root cause. When applying this tool, asking "why" 5 times may not be necessary. You may only need to ask "why" 3 times to come to the correct root cause. The number 5 is an arbitrary number. The 5Y method is a process of asking why a sub root cause occurred until you reveal the key root cause. When doing the 5Y analysis, use a team approach to determine the root causes. Document each determined sub root cause. When you identify the key root cause, be sure to positively identify that root cause on your document with a check mark or underline.

Additional 5Y Actions
As mention above asking "why" five times may not be sufficient, you may need to ask more than 5 times. Once you determined the key root cause from the 5 why problem solving process you are not finished with the 5 why analysis. You need to verify that root cause. You verify the key root cause by witnessing the root cause in action. Then check to see that you duplicated the problem. After verification of the root cause, you must determine your corrective actions for that key root cause. Document the corrective actions on the 5Y form. Implement these corrective actions. If you are completing a corrective action for a customer, proceed with the 8D analysis.