5 Why Problem Solver
Solve the root cause of your problem by asking Why five times. Use the interactive tool below, or download a template.
About 5 Why
The problem solving technique for better root cause analysis. When confronted with a problem, we are often too quick to jump to solutions that do not address the underlying root cause.
How Five Why helps
When we utilize the five why technique, we continue asking and answering 'why' until we can't anymore. We drill down as far as possible before stopping to look for solutions.
Go farther than 5 when needed
The number 5 is not the point; in this example, we could have separated the last why and asked 'why did scraps get in' first, then found the underlying cause.
Don't simply replace the fuse
Simply replacing the fuse or lubricating the bearing would have got the machine running again. But in a few hours or days the issue would have happened again.
Five Why templates and examples
Five Why templates and examples in multiple formats you can customize.
Learn more about Five Why
Five Why came out of Toyota Production Systems (TPS) and is often utilized at companies who have a lean culture.
