Root Cause Analysis Template Excel

It is quite common that you come across various problems in your project. Now you can evaluate the root cause of the problem using Root Cause Analysis Template Excel.

Everything that happens has a root cause. The RC isn’t like an immediate cause that looks like the origin of the problem. A root cause of any problem is the base that gives birth to the cause, no matter after how many phases the problem has shown apparent effects.

Thus, the analyst utilizes a professional tool to find the root cause of any issue or problem. For this purpose, the root cause analysis is helpful to successfully implement the approach.

Root Cause Analysis – RCA

Further, a root cause analysis template provides guidelines on how to find a root cause of a problem or issue. It guides us to dig deep down to the rock bottom of any problem. So, the analyst can find the rock bottom cause by finding links between each possible cause.

Here, one thing is important to understand that the cause of the triggering issue isn’t always apparent. In many cases, the cause that triggers the issue to generate apparent results can be the root cause.

The root cause analysis makes use of different strategies to evaluate the root cause of an issue. Also, root cause analysis can be performed as a reactive analysis.

However, many times in the project planning stage the root cause analysis works as a proactive approach to find out the solutions to potential risks.

Analysts use brainstorming, mind-mapping, synopsis, reverse thinking, and questioning assumption techniques to find the root cause of an issue.

On the other hand, you can make a detailed analysis of the problem and therefore outline plans accordingly.

Definitely inspecting the problem and then outlining the solution requirements, a detailed examination of the problem.

Corrective action for the project on time ensures your project is completed on time, without affecting its duration and budget as well. Above all, what is the actual problem and who can solve it is another vital part of this template.

Learn more: Corrective Action plan

Root Cause Analysis for Risk Management

Risk management is an important function of any business development or project management. The project managers must identify the potential risks to the project components. So, the analysis can be performed to apply a good response plan.

Here, the RCA works as a proactive tool to find out the best mitigation strategy of the identified potential risk.

Root cause analysis works on the concept to evaluate each linking process to find out which causes the problem in the first place. So, all the direct and indirect links are identified and evaluated to separate the reactions, triggering points, and origin of a problem.

The root cause can be anything such as the physical, human or organizational cause. Thus, all the problems having caused any of the above are identified using RCA techniques.

More on: Risk Management Templates

Top 3 Approaches For Root Cause Analysis

1. Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology for RCA
2. 5 Whys Approach
3. Cause & Effect – Fishbone Diagram

Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology for RCA

Six Sigma is a methodology, so, this approach helps us in Defining, Measuring, Analyzing, Improving, and Controlling (DMAIC). Remember that, we adopt this approach for already identified causes.

5 Whys Approach

This is the second most effective way to conduct an RC analysis. Because in this process we asked many questions about problems to reach the root cause. Basically, it is a conventional approach to evaluate the root cause and find an appropriate solution.

Cause & Effect – Fishbone Diagram

This technique comes on the seventh number in quality measuring. Basically, we use this “Cause & Effect – Fishbone Diagram” in the meeting of brainstorming that helps us to evaluate the root cause for a problem and their best solutions. We can say that it’s a graphical illustration that helps users to look at the exact cause and effect.

How to Use Root Cause Analysis Template

A six steps approach is helpful to use RCA Excel Template. It focuses on defining the issue and doing research to find out the impact, duration, and symptoms of the issue.

Use the chain reaction approach to find links and a chain of issues to reach out to the root cause of any problem. Finally, define the recommendations and implement the solution to the underlying problem. Further, continuously monitor the implemented solution for improvements.

Although, here are some recommendations to Conduct an RCA;

1. Evaluation and identification of the core issue and problems.
2. In the next phase, we collect all statistical data regarding the issue.
3. After that, we conduct an analysis of this gathered data and identify the root cause of the problem.
4. This phase involves finding the best solution for the RC that should be effective in both operational and cost.
5. In this phase, we make an implementation plan for the Root cause issue that will eliminate the problems.
6. After that, now it’s time to monitor the implementation plan against the RC issue and make a report on how effectively is this plan working.