After establishing a team of Subject Matter Experts, what is the next step in the Root Cause Analysis process?

The next step in the Root Cause Analysis process after establishing a team of Subject Matter Experts is to define the problem in terms of the observed effect. This stage is crucial because it helps the team clearly articulate what the specific issue is, including how it manifests and the impact it has on the organization or process.

By defining the problem accurately, the team can ensure they are focusing on the right issue and gathering relevant data that will guide their analysis. This step involves collecting evidence, determining the extent of the problem, and understanding the symptoms associated with it, which will ultimately lead to identifying the root causes more effectively.

This foundational understanding is also essential for engaging the team and stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned on what needs to be addressed as they proceed to analyze underlying causes and implement corrective actions. Defining the problem well is a precursor to the subsequent steps in the process, such as measuring symptoms or addressing variations, which can only be accurately targeted once the problem has been clearly outlined.