5 Why’s - Content

What is it for?
• A quick and simple tool for understanding the real root causes of a
problem
• To push thinking about potential root causes to the root level.
Where could I use it?
• In the Q2 Analyze phase of an improvement project to understand
root causes.
• Where a quick tool is required for understanding cause and effect in
the field.
• Can be used in conjunction with a Fishbone diagram to understand
more “bones”.

How do I use it?

• Establish the problem – write it down
• Ask Why the problem is happening –write it down.
• Ask Why again (to the last answer) and write it down. Why?
• Keep asking Why until the real root cause is identified.
.Why?
• This may take more or less than 5 Whys
..Why? ..
Risks and how to avoid them
.Why? ...
Example .Why?
5 Why’s - What is it for?
Uses of this tool:
• As a simple tool that can be used at the problem location to challenge potential root causes .
• It can be used together with a Fishbone / Ishikawa diagram to establish more bones.
• It can be used in a team to thoroughly interrogate root causes.

Expected Benefits:
• By continually asking Why? The process encourages a more rigorous investigation of the real root
cause. It avoids the temptation to stick with the first answer given.
5 Whys - Where could I use it?
Background:
• Potential root causes require in depth
interrogation. Often the initial root causes
proposed are not the real root causes.
• The 5 Why’s technique pushes and tests the
understanding of root causes and avoids
superficial causes being accepted.
Uses:
• Use it to identify root causes for problems which
are not clear and may have a deeper real cause.
• Use it during the analysis phase to gain a deeper
understanding of root cause by pushing
understanding of potential root causes.
5 Whys - How do I use it?
Procedure and Guidance Notes:
• Clarify the problem and write it down It is important that there is clear understanding
of the problem before 5 Whys is started.
State the problem

• Ask Why the problem happens (Why 1) It can be good practice to use in conjunction
Ask Why the • Write down the potential cause with a Fishbone diagram. Ask Why a each
problem happens “bone.”

• For the potential cause or outcome identified, ask why it happens

Ask Why the (Why 2)
problem happens • Write down this next potential root cause.

• For the next potential root cause or outcome, again ask why it
happens (Why 3)
Keep asking Why • Write down the new potential root cause
• Repeat the process until the real root cause is identified.
There is no magical formula about 5 Whys’
Sometimes you may get to the root cause after
two or three whys, sometimes you my have to
ask more than five times.
Stop when you have reached a root cause that
the team agree and can act on.

Record • Record the actual root cause identified.

Root Cause
5 Whys - Risks and how to avoid them:
Risks : Steps to avoid them :
• Not asking Why enough times can lead to a superficial • Ensure that the process is repeated enough times until
root cause. the team is happy that a good potential root cause has
been identified.
5 Whys - Example
1 2 3

Q : WHY has machine stopped ? Q : WHY overload trip ? Q : WHY Insufficient oil ?
A : Overload tripped out A : Insufficient oil on shaft A : Oil pump is inefficient
4 5

Q : WHY is pump not efficient ? Q : WHY is the pump shaft worn ?

A : Pump drive shaft worn A : Oil filter is blocked by metal scrap
 5 Whys - Example
1. Define the problem
Write down the problem being
investigated
2. Identify potential root cause (Why 1)
Consider the potential root cause of the
problem ( can be done in conjunction
with a fishbone diagram)
3. Write down potential root cause
4. Identify potential root cause (Why 2)s
Ask Why does the outcome (Why
1) occur? (why 2)
5. Write down potential root cause
Continue to ask Why does the previous
outcome occur until you’ve reached
potential root cause. Which you can record
6. Record the root cause
Flashover during High Voltage Test on MV
Transformer
1 Because the bushing socket was loose
2 Because the lock washer for the spring plate
was not installed properly
3 Because the workman could not fit it in place
and left it out – and did not tell anyone!
4 Because the spring plate was made too thick
5 Because the subcontractor made a mistake
when transferring the dimensions from the
drawing to the CNC program
6 Because XXABB sent drawings, not CAD files to
subcontractors
 Sustain Solution: Send CAD files instead of
drawings. Change work procedure and meet with
all sub-contractors affected by change