Fishbone Analysis is a tool for analyzing the business process and its effectiveness. It is also commonly referred to as the “Ishikawa Diagram” because it was invented and incorporated by Mr. Kaoru Ishikawa, a Japanese quality control statistician. A "Fishbone" diagram can help in brainstorming to identify possible causes of a productivity problem, sorting ideas into useful categories, and providing 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 put on the near vertical ribs while potential contributing factors are added to each rib. Completion of the diagram reveals a comprehensive evaluation of the causes of the main problems -- and reveals the root causes as well -- necessary when working with a holistic system (framework) that "connects the dots" between components.13 Once specific causes are identified, solutions can then be proposed. There are six classic categories of a Fishbone Diagram which are categorized as the main 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.14 Below is an illustration of the Fishbone Diagram15:
Once a department productivity target is not met, the management team and department staff can troubleshoot by filling in possible reasons for not meeting the target.
14. Ishikawa K. Introduction to Quality Control. Springer. 1989 edition, reprinted April 2012.
