5Whytechniek

The 5 Whys technique is a root cause analysis method used to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying a particular problem. The primary goal is to determine the root cause of a defect or problem by repeating the question "Why?" five times. Each answer forms the basis of the next question. The technique originates from Toyota and is a core component of lean manufacturing and problem-solving processes.

When a problem is identified, the facilitator or team asks "Why did this happen?" The answer to this question is then examined, and the team asks "Why did that happen?" This process continues until the fundamental cause of the problem is uncovered. The number five is a guideline; sometimes fewer than five whys are sufficient, while in other instances, more may be needed to reach the true root cause.

The 5 Whys technique is simple, adaptable, and can be used by individuals or teams. It encourages deeper thinking beyond superficial symptoms and helps to identify systemic issues rather than just addressing immediate effects. Its effectiveness lies in its iterative nature, which progressively drills down to the underlying reasons for a problem. It is often used in conjunction with other quality improvement tools.