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Safety Investigation
What is 8D?
8D stands for 8 Disciplines. It incorporates all important aspects of problem investigation and management into a single structured process.
The U.S. government first standardized the 8D process during the Second World War, referring to it as Military Standard 1520: "Corrective action and disposition system for nonconforming material". It was later popularized by the Ford Motor Company in the 1960's and 1970's. 8D has become a standard in the Auto, Assembly and other industries that require a thorough structured problem solving process.
The 8D Problem Solving Process is used to identify, correct and eliminate problems. The methodology is useful in product and process improvement. It establishes a standard practice, with an emphasis on facts. It focuses on the origin of the problem by determining Root Cause. The 8D structure below is based on how 8D is currently applied to day-to-day problems in the organizations that PHRED Solutions has worked with over the past 15 years.
The Stages of 8D
D1: Use a Team Approach
The Problem Solving Investigator, PSI, and PSI Team uses a multi-person approach to collect information from those directly associated with and/or impacted by the problem.
D2: Describe the Problem
Collect the perceptions and data from those involved with the problem and produce a Well Formed Description. Optionally, Problem Solving Investigators can conduct a Stakeholder analysis.
D3: Implement and Verify Temporary Fix(s)
Put in a Temporary Fix to control the situation and mitigate further negative effects of the problem.
D4: Root Cause Analysis
Identify the Possible Causes of the problem and conduct a Root Cause Analysis to find the Root Cause of the problem. Verify and test the Root Cause to eliminate false causes.
D5: Develop Permanent Solution(s)
Develop Permanent Solution(s) that address the Root Cause and the concerns of Stakeholders and those associated with the problem. Verify and test the Permanent Solution(s).
D6: Implement and Validate Permanent Solution(s)
Plan and implement a Permanent Solution(s). Validate that the chosen solution is effective.
D7: Prevent Recurrence
Prevent recurrence of the problem at the problem site and across the organization.
D8: Close Problem and Recognize Contributions
Audit implemented solutions. Reinforce the 8D process with recognition of team member contributions.
How Does PHRED 8D Work? Here's a flow chart.
The sections, steps and questions of the 8D process guide reasoning, assemble facts, and identify assumptions. The 8D process asks the right questions in the most efficient order. Tip: Don't skip around.
Bottom Line
These steps are helpful to effective problem solving but, without rigorous process in place for each of those eight disciplines, they are insufficient to effectively drive out repeat problems from a business.
