8D PROBLEM SOLVING METHOD

STEP 1 - D1: Establish the team

The team should be a well rounded team with different skill and intimate knowledge of the processes
where the problem has occurred. Also include at least one outsider that is training in problem solving
to give an outside perspective on the problem. Many time the outsider does not see the process in the
same biased way that people too close to the problem do.

STEP 2- D2: Describe the Problem

It is important to reach a consensus, among the team, as to what the actual problem might be. Many
times this step is not carried out completely wasting valuable time and money.

STEP 3- D3: Implement and Verify Interim Actions

This is the most important step outside the final solution. Typically, problems snowball if they are not
contained properly. This can include segregation of product and manual sorting if the problem
occurred in part production.

STEP 4- D4: Identify and Verify Root Causes

Many industry standard tools are available for this step in the 8d process. 5y and fishbone diagrams
are two excellent tool for performing root cause analysis. Verification should include the results of test
to prove that the determined root cause is the actual root cause of the problem and not just another
symptom of the real problem.

STEP 5- D5: Choose and Verify Permanent Corrective Actions

Like describing the problem it is important to reach a consensus, among the team, on the corrective
action to take to solve the problem. Take the time to verify that the corrective action will be effective
before too much time and money are invested on actions that are not working.

STEP 6- D6: Implement and Validate Permanent Corrective Actions

Corrective Action will usually include a full action plan. What will be done, when will it be done and by
whom? The corrective action should be on a set scheduled and address all aspects of the root cause.
Validation should be perform by someone unbiased or outside the team to insure that everyone
involved has completed their part.

STEP 7- D7: Prevent recurrence

Procedures should be implemented to insure that re-occurrences do not happen. Preventive action
should also be investigated on all other product that the same kind of problem could possibly occur. If
the different between corrective and preventive actions are not clean my how-to describing both can
be found in the resources below.

STEP 8- D8: Congratulate your Team

It is important to show your team appreciation of improving the overall quality of the product by
carrying out the 8d process. Many 8d project can be stressful on employees especially during busy
periods when workloads can be tough to manage.
HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM
STEP 1 - Define what the problem actually is. This isn't necessary when a physics question
asks for "a" or "b," but for problems based more in arts or philosophy the "problem"
itself is not always clear. Read the descriptions carefully and decide exactly what the
problem is before you begin to try to solve it.

STEP 2 - Break down the problem into smaller more manageable sections. A huge problem by
itself may seem overwhelming and impossible. By breaking it down into smaller
sections, you can tackle each one in a methodical way.

STEP 3 - Look at the potential causes for the problem. Often the solution is to take away the
cause, so go back to the beginning of the problem and see if there is any way to get
rid of the cause.

STEP 4 - Develop solutions by looking at what other people have done before you and
brainstorming your own ideas. Look for tried and tested formulas to your problem.
Chances are you aren't the first person to encounter this, so see whether there are
any already established solutions.

STEP 5 - Use the tools and people that you have around you. Complex mathematical
equations are easier to solve with a calculator and essay plans are available on the
Internet. Use technology to make shortcuts and pick other peoples' brains to get fresh
perspectives on your problem.

STEP 6 - Check through your original facts and assumptions. If you still can't find a solution, it
may be because your initial data wasn't correct. Double check your facts and figures
and look for flaws in your hypothesis. You may spot something you missed the first
time that lets everything else fall into place.