NationalSemiconductorusesthe8DProblemSolvingProcesstoidentify,correctandeliminatetherecurrenceofqualityproblems.
8Disaproblem-solvingmethodologyforproductandprocessimprovement.Itisstructuredintoeightdisciplines,emphasizingteamsynergy.Theteamaswholeisbetterandsmarterthanthequalitysumoftheindividuals.Eachdisciplineissupportedbyachecklistofassessmentquestions,suchas“whatiswrongwithwhat”,“what,when,where,howmuch”.
1.UseTeamApproach
Establishasmallgroupofpeoplewiththeknowledge,time,authorityandskilltosolvetheproblemandimplementcorrectiveactions.Thegroupmustselectateamleader.
2.DescribetheProblem
Describetheprobleminmeasurableterms.Specifytheinternalorexternalcustomerproblembydescribingitinspecificterms.
3.ImplementandVerifyShort-TermCorrectiveActions
Defineandimplementthoseintermediateactionsthatwillprotectthecustomerfromtheproblemuntilpermanentcorrectiveactionisimplemented.Verifywithdatatheeffectivenessoftheseactions.
4.DefineendVerifyRootCauses
Identifyallpotentialcauseswhichcouldexplainwhytheproblemoccurred.Testeachpotentialcauseagainsttheproblemdescriptionanddata.Identifyalternativecorrectiveactionstoeliminaterootcause.
5.VerifyCorrectiveActions
Confirmthattheselectedcorrectiveactionswillresolvetheproblemforthecustomerandwillnotcauseundesirablesideeffects.Defineotheractions,ifnecessary,basedonpotentialseverityofproblem.
6.ImplementPermanentCorrectiveActions
Defineandimplementthepermanentcorrectiveactionsneeded.Chooseon-goingcontrolstoinsuretherootcauseiseliminated.Onceinproduction,monitorthelong-termeffectsandimplementadditionalcontrolsasnecessary.
7.PreventRecurrence
Modifyspecifications,updatetraining,reviewworkflow,improvepracticesandprocedurestopreventrecurrenceofthisandallsimilarproblems.
8.CongratulateYourTeam
Recognizethecollectiveeffortsofyourteam.Publicizeyourachievement.Shareyourknowledgeandlearning.