Årsagsdiagrams

Årsagsdiagrams, also known as Ishikawa diagrams or fishbone diagrams, are visual tools used to identify and display the potential causes of a specific problem or effect. They are structured in a way that resembles the skeleton of a fish, with the "head" representing the problem and the "bones" branching out to categorize potential causes. This method encourages a systematic exploration of all contributing factors rather than focusing on a single or obvious cause.

The construction of an årsagsdiagram typically begins by clearly defining the problem or effect that needs to be analyzed. This is written at the rightmost end of the diagram, like the head of the fish. Then, major categories of potential causes are identified and drawn as main "bones" extending from the central spine. Common categories include people, process, machinery, materials, environment, and management, though these can be adapted to suit the specific context.

Once the main categories are established, brainstorming sessions are conducted to identify specific causes within each category. These specific causes are then added as smaller bones branching off the main categories. The process continues recursively, with further sub-causes being identified and added until a comprehensive list of potential contributing factors is generated. This detailed breakdown helps teams understand the root causes of an issue, facilitating more effective problem-solving and preventative measures. Årsagsdiagrams are widely used in quality management, manufacturing, healthcare, and many other fields.