You can list all elements related to every category and discuss with your team which to include in the diagram. The sub-categories serve as the branches of the main cause categories. Identify and list the sub-categories of potential causes You can have more main categories if your team finds it necessary. Most businesses focus on the six Ms, including workforce, material, mother nature, measurement, method, and machine. You can add lines or boxes branching from the backbone to represent the cause categories. The backbone of the diagram is where your major categories will be. Determine the major categories of potential causes Besides identifying the problem, you can add details like where and when the issue occurred. The problem you identified will serve as the head of the fishbone diagram. Steps in Creating a Fishbone Diagram Identify the problem or issue to be addressedĮnsure that team members agree upon the problem. Ensure they are still related to the main problem to be useful during the analysis. You can branch off to as many layers as you wish. The sub-categories are the small branches under each major cause. Meanwhile, the causes then extend to your left, which serves as the bones of the skeleton. The problem (the effect on the illustration below) is at the fish's head, facing right. The fishbone diagram template looks similar to a fish. The main and sub-categories must have an evident relationship to move forward with the diagram. You can expect multiple insights for your sub-categories hence there must be thorough brainstorming to ensure you input only the essential details which can support the major category. These are the possible causes of the problem related to every main branch. Sub-categories are placed under each major category. Sub-categories/branches of potential causes They are primarily general ideas since you can specify them with sub-categories as you go along with your fishbone diagram template. They could include systems, equipment, human resources, and external forces. Like how your team decides on the main issue, everyone must agree on the significant branches you will put into the fishbone diagram. These categories refer to the factors which may be part of the problem. Major categories/branches of potential causes It would be confusing to cater to two problems in one chart. For every fishbone diagram, there must only be one issue to address. It pays to discuss this among the members to ensure everyone is on the same page. The main problem refers to the specific issue your team is facing. Since the diagram contains several categories, you can also identify which of the stages of the process needs urgent resolutions.Ĭomponents of a Fishbone Diagram The main problem statement Along the way, your team can develop ways to address these concerns. The fishbone diagram is essential in problem-solving as it allows businesses to identify specific reasons for failures or defects of certain business processes. Importance of fishbone diagram in problem solving Along the way, the fishbone has been helpful for most companies, not only for root-cause analysis but also during the design stage to prevent problems. Ishikawa was also notably responsible for implementing the quality management procedures for Kawasaki shipyards. There are reports that the diagram has existed since the 1920s however, Ishikawa popularized it and pioneered quality management techniques in the 1960s. Some call the fishbone diagram as Ishikawa diagram to honor a Japanese engineering professor, Kaoru Ishikawa.

History and development of fishbone diagram Whether it is the traditional drawing of the diagram on whiteboards or sketching its skeleton on digital boards, the bottom line is that this diagram promotes efficiency and improved problem-solving processes.

The diagram is also called the cause-and-effect analysis, one of the main tools utilized during a root cause analysis. It generally breaks down, in layers, the root cause, which significantly contributes to a specific effect. About the fishbone diagram template Definition of fishbone diagramĪ fishbone diagram is a discovery tool most managers use to identify the reasons for failures, defects, and variations within a business process.

Fishbone diagram maker