8 Diciplines (8D) Problem Solving Process

The 8 Disciplines (8D) process is a business problem management tool. It is the generic problem solving process used across many different industries, particularly automotive and aerospace. It incorporates all of the key aspects of problem management:

• Containment of the problem
• Root cause analysis
• Problem correction
• Problem prevention

When the 8D process has been applied, the result is a report showing 'how' and 'why' a solution was arrived at. Some organizations will demand 8D reports from their suppliers if there is an issue with a supplied product or service.

8D problem solving work flow

Discipline 0 (D0): Summary

It is important to correctly name the problem to be tackled, this allows teams to easily communicate about the problem solving task. A short statement to summarise the problem should be defined, this statement will often be used to name the 8D report:

• Describe the symptoms
• Be clear and facual
• Identify potential consequences

Discipline 1 (D1): Form the team

This is the first step of the 8D process. This step defines the 8D team. The team should be cross-functional and should include the process owner and other key stakeholders. The names of the members along with their role and skills are recorded:

• Subject matter experts
• Proces owners
• Smaller teams can be better

Discipline 2 (D2): Describe the problem

This step involves a detailed assessment of the problem. Record all relevant information, be clear and objective. Consider including the following details:

• Identity of the customer
• Identity all known facts
• It is / is not lists

Discipline 3 (D3): Interim containment actions

Define the immediate actions required to prevent the situation from getting worse. Containment actions are short term and may be costly. Sometimes no containment is required. Examples include:

• What has been done to stop the problem from getting worse
• Short term actions like inspection, concessions and modifications
• Verfiy effectiveness

Discipline 4 (D4): Root cause analysis

Perform failure analysis and investigation, determine the root cause of the problem. Detail the root cause analysis that has been conducted.

A detailed description of the actual failure mechanism should be given to show that the failure has been fully understood. Use standard analysis tools like Pareto, Ishikawa diagrams and 'It is / it is not' lists.

Tools should be selected in accordance with the particular problem requirements. Every problem is different:

• Fish bone (Ishikawa) diagram
• Five why
• Process diagram

Discipline 5 (D5): Permanent corrective actions

Identify all possible corrective actions to address the root cause of the problem. Use brainstorming techniques like Six hats and Random word if required. Provide a rationale for each proposed corrective action.

Grade proposed solutions for cost and suitability. Perform FMEAs as required to help identify pitfalls and risks:

• List the most effective solutions
• Identify compromises
• Calulate risks (FMEA)

Discipline 6 (D6): Implement and validate

Define and record the implementation plan. Propose completion dates and allocate owners of tasks.

Data showing that the corrective actions have been effective should be captured and referenced here:

• Introduction plan
• Who, when how
• Validate sucess

Discipline 7 (D7): Prevent recurrence

Actions necessary to prevent the same problem from arising again are defined here. Consider the following:

• Update procedures and policy
• Update standards
• Improve KPIs

Consider applying the problem solution on other products, processes and service delivery.

Discipline 8 (D8): Closure and team celebration

The last step of the 8D problem solving process is to congratulate the team and publicise success. This generates support for improvement work throughout the entire organization:

• Sumarise the investigation
• Lessons learned
• Publicise sucess

Things to consider

• Think about using professional 8D reporting software
• Make 8D your organizations primary method of corrective action reporting
• 8D is effective at investigating Quality, Environmental and H&S issues