The 7️⃣ QC Tools

2️⃣Cause-and-Effect Diagram

The
Continuous Improvement Academy
 2️⃣Cause-and-Effect Diagram
• A diagram that illustrates the • Also Called Ishikawa
Diagram, Fishbone
relationship between the cause Materials Work Methods Diagram
and the effect.
• Effect - Quality Characteristics
• Cause = Factors QUALITY

• Factors are almost uncountable

• Helps to organize the causes Environment Measurement

• Clearly illustrates the various

causes by sorting out and relating
the causes

The
Continuous Improvement Academy
 2️⃣Cause-and-Effect Diagram
Steps to Develop the 2️⃣Cause-and-Effect Diagram

• Use why-why to identify

the subfactors
• Use brainstorming to
build up the diagram

2️⃣ Write the Effect on 3️⃣ Write the major 4️⃣ Write all factors (&
1️⃣ Identify the Effect
the right side + Left to factors categories (i.e. subfactors) under each
(Problem/Opportunity)
Write arrow 5M+E) category

The
Continuous Improvement Academy
2️⃣Cause-and-Effect Diagram
Steps to Develop the 2️⃣Cause-and-Effect Diagram

• Use why-why to identify

the subfactors
• Use brainstorming to
build up the diagram

The
Continuous Improvement Academy
2️⃣Cause-and-Effect Diagram
Steps to Develop the Cause-and-Effect Diagram

• Use why-why to identify

the subfactors
• Use brainstorming to
build up the diagram

The
Continuous Improvement Academy
2️⃣Cause-and-Effect Diagram
Key Benefits

Educational tool • A good cause and effect

Documentation of diagram is one that fits
for all identified causes the purpose and there is
participants no one definite form
• Always aim for > 6 Causes

Guide for Shows how well the

team understands
discussion the process

Identification of Can be used for any

root causes problem (QCDSM)

The
Continuous Improvement Academy