To identify and solve problems, there are many tools and techniques used for process improvement. One such simple tool is the cause and effect diagram, also known as the Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram.
The name fishbone comes from the analysis being in the shape of a fish bone. Ishikawa is the name of the person who introduced this tool. It is a straightforward tool where the root cause of the problem is analyzed along with its effects.
This tool is easy to use, and workers participating in quality circles to identify and improve their processes utilize it. It is a useful way of mapping the inputs that affect performance and is beneficial for opening up thinking in problem-solving.
You are familiar with the typical fishbone diagram. Look at the horizontal line, which is the center of the bone. The effect or problem being investigated should be shown at the end of the horizontal line/arrow.
You will identify potential causes, which are to be shown as labeled arrows entering the main cause arrow. These causes should address concerns in terms of Men, Machine, Method, and Environment.
Each individual arrow for the cause, for example, Men, will have other arrows entering from both sides as the principal causes or factors.
You will have two causes, such as Men & Machine, entering the horizontal line from the upper portion, and two others from the bottom.
This completes the fishbone diagram for cause and effect analysis. Brainstorming can be effectively used to generate the causes and sub-causes.