Quality ToolComing Soon

5 Why - Root Cause Analysis Form

For recurring quality problems, ask "Why?" up to five times to drill down to root cause. Fill in the problem and 5 Why answers on the left; a root cause summary and action notes will appear on the right.

Problem and 5-step "Why?" chain

Problem statement (1-2 sentences)

1. Why?

Answer to the 1. "Why?" questionPossible action / note for this cause

2. Why?

Answer to the 2. "Why?" questionPossible action / note for this cause

3. Why?

Answer to the 3. "Why?" questionPossible action / note for this cause

4. Why?

Answer to the 4. "Why?" questionPossible action / note for this cause

5. Why?

Answer to the 5. "Why?" questionPossible action / note for this cause

Note: In practice you may need fewer or more than five steps; the goal is to capture the reasoning chain and prevent repeat issues.