Fishbone analysis is a tool for analyzing the business process and its effectiveness. It is also commonly called the “Ishikawa Diagram” because it was invented and incorporated by Mr. Kaoru Ishikawa, a Japanese quality control statistician. A "fishbone" diagram can help brainstorm to identify possible causes of a productivity problem, sort ideas into functional categories, and provide potential solutions. This problem-solving technique can be effective in assuring better identification of causes and buying into proposed solutions. A fishbone diagram is a visual way to look at cause and effect. It is called a fishbone diagram because of its structural similarity to the skeleton of a fish.
The fishbone diagram and analysis typically evaluate the causes and sub-causes of one problem and, therefore, assist in uncovering all the symptoms of any business problem. For that reason, it is also termed a “Cause-Effect Analysis.” In a typical fishbone diagram, the main problem to be resolved is put on the head of the diagram, and categories of potential causes are placed on the near vertical ribs. In contrast, potential contributing factors are added to each rib. Completing the diagram reveals a comprehensive evaluation of the causes of the main problems and the root causes as well, necessary when working with a holistic system (framework) that "connects the dots" between components. Once specific causes are identified, solutions can then be proposed. Six classic categories of a fishbone diagram are categorized as the leading causes of any problems in system operation. Those are people, equipment, materials, environment, management, and process. The analysis of these six variables reveals the reasons for a problem irrespective of its type or severity. Below is an illustration of the fishbone diagram:
Once a department's productivity target is not met, the management team and department staff can troubleshoot by identifying possible reasons for the failure.
