The purpose of this book is to share what the author has learned about effective problem solving by exposing the ineffectiveness of conventional wisdom and presenting a principle-based alternative called Apollo Root Cause Analysis that is robust, yet familiar and easy to understand. This book will change the way readers understand the world without changing their minds. One of the most common responses the author has received from his students of Apollo Root Cause Analysis is they have always thought this way, but did not know how to express it. Other students have reported a phenomenon where this material fundamentally re-wires their thinking, leading to a deeply profound understanding of our world. At the heart of this book is a new way of communicating that is revolutionizing the way people all around the world think, communicate, and make decisions together. Imagine a next decision-making meeting where everyone is in agreement with the causes of the problem and the effectiveness of the proposed corrective actions with no conflicts, arguments, or power politics! This is the promise of Apollo Root Cause Analysis.

Although there are many books on root cause analysis (RCA), most concentrate on team actions such as brainstorming and using quality tools to discuss the failure under investigation. These may be necessary steps during RCA, but authors often fail to mention the most important member of an RCA team the failed part.Root Cause Analysis: A Step-By-Step

This updated and expanded edition discusses many different tools for root cause analysis and presents them in an easy-to-follow structure: a general description of the tool, its purpose and typical applications, the procedure when using it, an example of its use, a checklist to help you make sure if is applied properly, and different forms and templates (that can also be found on an accompanying CD-ROM). The examples used are general enough to apply to any industry or market. The layout of the book has been designed to help speed your learning. Throughout, the authors have split the pages into two halves: the top half presents key concepts using brief language—almost keywords—and the bottom half uses examples to help explain those concepts. A roadmap in the margin of every page simplifies navigating the book and searching for specific topics. The book is suited for employees and managers at any organizational level in any type of industry, including service, manufacturing, and the public sector.

RealityCharting is a new way of thinking that goes far beyond the traditional root cause analysis problem-solving processes. It provides structure to each stakeholder's reality, thus creating a common reality that all can buy into. In this companion book to the RealityCharting software, you will not only discover a simple process that defines the structure of causation, you will find links to online interactive exercises and training that help you better understand the process. What took days in a classroom can now be learned in a matter of hours. The RealityCharting process and software easily facilitates creating a common reality from the input of all stakeholders and thus minimizes the normal conflict and power politics found in conventional root cause analysis processes. Available in six languages, the RealityCharting software easily supports global operations and should be used to document the causes of your successes.

Root Cause Failure Analysis provides the concepts needed to effectively perform industrial troubleshooting investigations. It describes the methodology to perform Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), one of the hottest topics currently in maintenance engineering. It also includes detailed equipment design and troubleshooting guidelines, which are needed to perform RCFA on machinery found in most production facilities. This is the latest book in a new series published by Butterworth-Heinemann in association with PLANT ENGINEERING magazine. PLANT ENGINEERING fills a unique information need for the men and women who operate and maintain industrial plants. It bridges the information gap between engineering education and practical application. As technology advances at increasingly faster rates, this information service is becoming more and more important. Since its first issue in 1947, PLANT ENGINEERING has stood as the leading problem-solving information source for America's industrial plant engineers, and this book series will effectively contribute to that resource and reputation.Provides information essential to industrial troubleshooting investigationsDescribes the methods of root cause failure analysis, a hot topic in maintenance engineeringIncludes detailed equipment-design guidelines

This book provides a Root Cause Analysis methodology for process and equipment problems with a unique insight on sources and type of problems that appear in process lines.

Learning the proper steps for organizing a failure investigation ensures success. Failure investigations cross company functional boundaries and are an integral component of any design or manufacturing business operation. Well-organized and professionally conducted investigations are essential for solving manufacturing problems and assisting in redesigns. This book outlines a proven systematic approach to failure investigation. It explains the relationship between various failure sources (corrosion, for example) and the organization and conduct of the investigation. It provides a learning platform for engineers from all disciplines: materials, design, manufacturing, quality, and management. The examples in this book focus on the definition of and requirements for a professionally performed failure analysis of a physical object or structure. However, many of the concepts have much greater utility than for investigating the failure of physical objects. For example, the book provides guidance in areas such as learning how to define objectives, negotiating the scope of investigation, examining the physical evidence, and applying general problem-solving techniques.