What is a Root Cause Analysis?

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is the process of finding out the main reason or cause of a problem and the approach to resolve it. It differs from causal factors in its scale and impact on the resolution of a problem. Removal of a causal factor does not resolve the main issue, while addressing the root cause does.

How to Do a Root Cause Analysis?

Root Cause Analysis involves a four principles process to arrive at the bottom of the issue.

1. Use of five whys technique to define and describe the problem event.
2. Timeline details from the beginning, first appearance of problem, to the final failure.
3. Demarcation of causal factors and root causes.
4. Tying in the data together to arrive at the final analysis of the root cause, its behavior, and the method of resolution.

It is a methodical process extensively used in the identification of root causes of events and to separate them from causal factors. Problem recurrence can only be addressed by successfully analyzing and resolving the root cause. Its converse is the Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), which posits that addressing a single cause might not always eliminate the issue from the system. 

Root Cause Analysis Usage 

RCA is usually employed after an unsuccessful event occurs. The insights gleaned from the analysis make it useful in eliminating the problems that caused the failures. It is also used for making predictions and forecasts in event analysis. RCA is distinct from event management, in this it is a totally separate process.