årsagsdiagram

An årsagsdiagram, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram or Ishikawa diagram, is a visual tool used to explore the potential causes of a specific problem or effect. It was developed by Kaoru Ishikawa in the 1960s. The diagram is structured like a fishbone, with the "head" representing the problem or effect, and the "bones" branching out to categorize and list potential causes.

The main categories of causes typically include people, process, equipment, materials, environment, and management, though these can be adapted to suit the specific situation. Within each category, more specific causes are listed, often brainstormed by a team. The goal is to identify all possible contributing factors, moving from broad categories to more detailed root causes.

Årsagsdiagrams are valuable for problem-solving and quality improvement initiatives. They encourage a systematic approach to identifying the underlying reasons for issues, rather than just addressing the symptoms. By visually mapping out potential causes, teams can better understand the complexity of a problem and prioritize efforts to address the most significant contributing factors. This method is widely used in manufacturing, healthcare, and business to enhance understanding and drive effective solutions.