DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Graduate Studies Program

ASSIGNMENT NO. 2

SUBMITTED BY:

SAMANTHA P. PERALTA
2nd SEMESTER, 2018-2019

SUBJECT INSTRUCTOR:

DR. MADONNA AMORA

FEBRUARY 16, 2019

 EIGHT DISCIPLINES OF PROBLEM SOLVING (8D)

In a semiconductor field, there are different ways to troubleshoot a certain problem. One of the
known methodology is the Eight Disciplines of Problem Solving or simply known as 8D. 8D is
designed to find the root cause of a problem, cater a short-term fix and implement a long-term
solution to prevent recurring problems. When there is a customer return and proved that your
product is defective or isn’t satisfying to your customers an 8D is an excellent tool in improving
the quality assurance and reliability of a product.

In every solution, there is a limitation. The 8D analysis is appropriate only in situations that has
unknown causes and is not the right tool if concerns is focused around decision making or problem
prevention. The next paragraphs will discuss further about the steps to consider in 8D analysis.

D0 (Prepare for 8D Process): This preliminary step in 8D analysis tackles about the identification
of the problem and the immediate action to protect customer from further exposure to the undesired
symptoms. Having a good start will make a big impact in succession of the recovery. One way to
ensure is to ask an expert first for their guidance and feedback.

D1 (Establish a Team): 8D emphasizes team synergy that composes of 4 to 10 members, each has
a corresponding role to execute. Focus on teamwork is the core of 8D’s resounding success that
the team as a whole is better and smarter than the quality sum of an individual.

D2 (Describe the Problem): An in-depth analysis should be used to assure that symptoms are not
confused with the problem. This defines the problem in quantitative terms (who, what, when,
where, why, how, how many). There should be a terminology standard to be used by all members
to avoid confusion.
D3 (Develop Interim Containment Action): The goal of interim containment action is to define the
problem extent and try to limit it. Problem effects have to be restrained and prompt action is
important. In quality deviations, problem solver’s first response should be to protect the customers.

D4 (Define and Verify Root Cause): The task of this discipline is defined as the isolation and
verification of the root cause by testing each possible cause against the problem description and
data gathered.

D5 (Choose and Verify Permanent Corrective Action for Root Cause): The step comprise of the
creation of the problem solution while selecting the best solution to be implemented as the
permanent corrective action. The PCA should be aimed in resolving the root cause and changing
the circumstances of the process or the product that caused the problem.

D6 (Implement and Validate Permanent Corrective Action): To establish an action plan specifying
who, what, and when by implementing permanent corrective actions. A project plan should have
contingency that encompasses communication, steps to complete, measurement of success and
lessons learned.

D7 (Prevent Recurrence): D7 carries the impact to contain and share the knowledge and
development in preventing the current problem on similar characteristic of a product, processes,
or planning configurations. For future references, updating documents and procedures is a must
and expected at this step.

D8 (Recognize the Team and Individual Contributions): Enclosing the problem will require
archiving the 8D documents for future reference, and requires feedback to allow significant
closure. In exchange for the successful completion of the problem, acknowledging both team and
individual efforts strengthen the value of 8D process. It can be done by celebrating through lunch
award or even an individual token for each members.

Quality and reliability are two significant characteristics that a manufacturing company sustains.
A better company considers the culture that seeks perfection but accepts imperfection as part of
the growth improvement, than in a culture management that only accepts perfection with
continuous pleasing results. Furthermore, 8D analysis gives justice in preserving these two to
maintain a good product that trademarks one’s company.