Problem Solving Worksheet
Status
Step 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Action Prepare Team Describe Contain Diag. Solve Validate Prevent Wrap
Registered problem and Long Term Corrective Long Term Corrective Long Term Corrective
Short Term Corrective Action developed but not Action implemented. Action confirmed effective.
Action in place in house. implemented. Monitoring/evaluating Problem closed.
effectiveness.
Prepare for Problem Solving - Is an Emergency Response Action Needed?
Does the problem warrant/require an 8D? If
0 so comment why and proceed.
Team Assembled - Establish a small Team Goals:
group of people with the process/product
knowledge, allocated time, authority and skill
1 in the required technical disciplines to solve Team Objectives:
the problem and implement corrective
actions.
Department Name (Team Leader First) Skills Responsibility
Problem Description - Provides the Sketch of Problem
starting point for solving the problem or
nonconformance issue.
2A Need to have “correct” problem description to
identify causes. Need to use terms that are
understood by all.
Part Number(s):
Customer(s):
List all of the data and documents that might help you to
define the problem more exactly?
Is there an action plan to collect additional information?
Prepare Process Flow Diagram for problem. (Attach
to PSW)
2B IS IS NOT
Who is affected by the problem? Who is not affected by the problem?
Who first observed the problem? Who did not find the problem?
Who
(internal/external)
To whom was the problem reported?
What type of problem is it? What does not have the problem?
What has the problem? What could be happening but is not?
What
What is happening? What could be the problem but is not?
Do we have physical evidence of the problem in
our possession?
Why is this a problem? Why is it not a problem?
Why
Is the process where the problem occurred
stable?
Where was the problem observed? Where could the problem be located but is not?
Where
Where does the problem occur? Where else could the problem be located but is
not?
When was the problem first noticed? When could the problem have been noticed but
was not?
When
When has it been noticed since?
Quantity of problem? How many could have the problem but don’t?
Much/
How
How Much is the problem causing in dollars, How big could the problem be but is not?
people, & Time?
Many
What is the trend (continuous, random, cyclical)? What could the trend be but is not?
Often
How
Has the problem occurred previously? (If so
attach previous PSWs & CIFs)
Problem Description - Combine the relevant information, this will be your Problem
Description
2C
Interim Containment Actions - Temporary actions to contain the problem and “fix”
3 until permanent correction is in place. (Note: Validate that the action taken works).
Document Actions in the Action Item Table
Diagnose Root Cause – Analyze for “Root Cause” of the problem. Identify and verify the
Escape Point.
4A Brainstorm the possible causes of the problem (attach)
4A Cause and Effect Diagram (Attach copy of complete diagram(s) as appropriate)
How made? Why did it get out?
People Materials/Info Machine Problem (effect) People Materials/Info Machine
Method Environment Measurement Method Environment Measurement
Note on Diagram(s) circle the most likely contributors (3 max) from each side.
4B 5 – Why Analysis
Ask – Why did this happen?
Ask – Why did this happen?
Ask – Why did this happen?
Ask – Why did this happen?
Ask – Why did this happen?
4C Action Plan - Based on the team’s discussions. Begin to complete the Root Cause Action Plan
to verify and validate the root causes and test the escape point. Document this on the Action Item Table.
5 Identify Solutions – Solutions that address and correct the root cause. Solutions determined
to be the best of all the alternatives. Document and verify the Permanent Corrective Action (PCA) in the
Action Item Table.
Validation - Implement and validate to ensure that corrective action does “what it is supposed to
6 do.” Detect any undesirable side effects. Document this on the Action Item Table. Return to root cause
analysis, if necessary.
Prevention (Design / Information Systems Review) - Determine what improvements in
7 systems and processes would prevent problem from recurring. Ensure that corrective action remains in
place and successful.
Address Similar Systems - List similar systems with the potential for the same defect.
7A Issue a CIF for items identified.
Process / Item Accountability CIF #
7B Review the following documents / systems.
Completion Date
Document Accountability
Planned Actual
Management System Manual
Manufacturing Work Instructions
Inspection Work Instructions
Flow Charts
Control Plans
Design FMEA
Process FMEA
Gauges/MMD/IMTE
PPAP
Engineering Change Approval
Manufacturing Forms
Inspection Forms
Congratulate Your Team
- Use all forms of employee recognition and document as necessary.
8
Celebrate successful conclusion of the problem solving effort.
Formally disengage the team and return to normal duties.
Was the PSW Effective?
Yes/No Signature/Title Date
Action Item Table
Actions Implement and Verify Actions
Action Containment/ Corrective How
Fault / Item Verify Action Accountability Planned Actual Status
# Action Verified
Registered problem and Short Term Long Term Corrective Action Long Term Corrective Action Long Term Corrective Action confirmed
Corrective Action in place in house. developed but not implemented. implemented. Monitoring/evaluating effective. Problem closed.
effectiveness.
Note: Copy this page and attach as often as necessary
