Juurisyyseikan

Juurisyyseikan is a systematic investigation approach used to identify the underlying causes of problems in organizations and complex systems. The aim is to implement corrective actions that address the root causes, reducing the likelihood of recurrence rather than merely fixing symptoms. It is applied across industries such as manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, aviation, and public services, wherever reliability, safety, or quality are at stake.

In Finnish-language discussions, juurisyyseikan refers to the process of root cause investigation, and in international contexts the concept is known as root cause analysis (RCA). The approach treats problems as multi-causal and typically requires input from multiple disciplines to map contributing factors, often using structured problem-solving tools and data analysis.

Common techniques used in juurisyyseikan include the 5 Whys, Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams, fault tree analysis, and Pareto analysis. Teams usually work with data, process maps, and timelines to identify potential causes and to distinguish root causes from symptoms. The goal is to form testable hypotheses about underlying factors and to validate them through evidence.

Typical process steps involve defining the problem, collecting relevant data, constructing a cause-and-effect model, testing hypotheses, identifying root causes, selecting corrective actions, implementing changes, and monitoring outcomes to verify effectiveness. Effective juurisyyseikan relies on cross-functional collaboration, thorough data analysis, and ongoing verification to ensure that fixes address the true source of the issue rather than its manifestations.

See also: root cause analysis, quality management, corrective and preventive action.