Fishbone/Ishikawa
A cause-and-effect analysis tool
About Fishbone/Ishikawa Cause-and-Effect Analysis
The Ishikawa/Fishbone cause-and-effect tool is a valuable tool that encourages structured brainstorming and collaboration about the causes of an undesired effect, or problem. It's called a fishbone diagram because of its resemblance to the skeleton of a fish, with the problem statement at the "head" of the fish and the causes branching out like bones. Additionally, it provides a clear and concise way to communicate findings to stakeholders.
Widely used by Quality, Process and Business analysts as a critical part of Root Cause analysis (a systematic method used to identify underlying reasons or causes of problems or undesirable events), the fishbone is widely used in many sectors such as engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, IT and quality, and as an essential part of Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Use the Fishbone method as a standalone tool, or in conjunction with other methods, e.g. 5Whys, DMAIC, PDCA etc.
Widely used by Quality, Process and Business analysts as a critical part of Root Cause analysis (a systematic method used to identify underlying reasons or causes of problems or undesirable events), the fishbone is widely used in many sectors such as engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, IT and quality, and as an essential part of Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Use the Fishbone method as a standalone tool, or in conjunction with other methods, e.g. 5Whys, DMAIC, PDCA etc.
The Fishbone/Ishikawa Toolbox
The Fishbone Toolbox contains everything you need to become proficient at cause-and-effect analysis
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A Fishbone App to guide, store, and communicate your fishbone analysis
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A free micro course that explains Fishbone analysis and how to perform it.
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A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) paper that explains where and how cause-and-effect analysis fits in problem solving, quality programmes, process improvement projects, and continuous improvement
About the Fishbone App
A Microsoft certified Power App, the fishbone app guides and supports analysts and teams conduct cause-and-effect analysis.
- Facilitates brainstorming and recording of possible causes
- Structures possible causes into useful categories
- Allows the team to add additional information, impact and frequency to prioritize investigation
- Provides a dashboard for intelligent visualization and drill through to detail
- Stores cause-and-effect workshop results for stakeholder communication and feedback
The fishbone app is also included in the "ANALYZE" phase of the DMAIC Power App.
See the App in Action!
FAQ
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Do I need any other licences to run the Fishbone app?
Yes, each user will need the following licenses:
- A Microsoft Power Platform license to run the app.
- A Microsoft Power BI license to view charts and analyses.
Please note that Torque Management does not sell or provide these licenses. You will need to coordinate with your IT team to set up the environment and assign the Fishbone licenses to each nominated user. -
Where is Fishbone data stored?
The Fishbone app will be installed on your company’s Microsoft PowerApps environment, which could be on your own premises or hosted externally. This ensures that your data remains entirely within your control.
When building the app, we reviewed the types of information and data often associated with Cause-and-Effect analysis and determined that it could be sensitive. As a result, we decided it would be preferable for you to maintain control and access. -
Can multiple people add data/make updates to the Fishbone app at the same time?
Yes! The app is scalable, and accessible to any team member with a licence who can the network.
This allows the team to collaborate in a physical meeting, an on-line meeting, or contribute independently where they can add new causes, sub-causes, information, and comments. -
What category headings (labels) are used in the fishbone spines?
There are two choices:
- Quality: Measurement, Materials, People, Environment, Method, Machine, Uncategorized
- BPM: Input, Output, Activity, Enabler, Guide, Management, Uncategorized
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I want to use the Fishbone app as part of Root Cause Analysis, but I don’t see tools like “5 Whys”
The Fishbone app is designed for Cause-and-Effect analysis, so it doesn’t include built-in RCA tools. However, you can easily link and connect your data or charts (Pareto, Cpk, etc.) to effects, causes, and sub-causes.
If you're looking for a built-in RCA tool, check out our DMAIC app, which includes the "5 Whys"— one of the most widely used Root Cause Analysis tools.
Take the Fishbone/Ishikawa Course
A free micro course
Take this short course to understand Fishbone cause-and-effect analysis and how to perform it.
Better still, prepare your team by having them take the course before attending your cause-and-effect Fishbone analysis workshop.
Better still, prepare your team by having them take the course before attending your cause-and-effect Fishbone analysis workshop.
Understand Root Cause Analysis
(Unlock the Secrets of Root Cause Analysis and Avoid Jumping to Conclusions)
Master Root Cause Analysis with our white paper.
