Global 8D – Team Based Problem Solving
Have you ever said, or heard someone else say, something like “the last time we had this problem we did this”? If this is the case then we have to ask, how effective is our problem solving effort?
In reality we spend a lot of time solving problems in the business, some much more difficult than others. There are four levels of problem that we can consider:
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Simple problems that can be solved by one individual
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Simple problems that we know the answer to (this is more a task than a problem solving effort)
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Difficult problems that we do not know the answer to and will take more than one person/discipline to solve
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Problems that have been around for some time
I want to concentrate on the third type of problem and suggest a method that is tried and tested, Global 8D (G8D).
Using a number of analytical tools and a multi-disciplined team approach, G8D has a number of clearly defined steps and dosciplines. G8D is a comprehensive problem solving methodology developed by Ford Motor Company and used widely in industry throughout the world. However, it must be said that whilst the approach may be used for smaller problems, G8D should be reserved for those problems that:
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Have a definition of the symptom(s). That is, the symptom has been quantified.
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Have identified the customer(s) and affected parties who experienced the symptom/s.
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Have measurements to quantify the symptom(s) and demonstrate that a performance gap exists, and/or the priority (severity, urgency, growth) of the symptom warrants initiation of the process.
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Have an unknown cause.
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Has management commitment to dedicating the necessary resources to fix the problem at root cause level and to prevent recurrence.
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Have a problem symptom complexity that exceeds the ability of one person to resolve the problem.
The G8D Process
The following is a brief outline of the G8D process steps:
D0 Prepare for the Global 8D Process
In response to a symptom, evaluate the need for the G8D process. If necessary, provide Emergency Response Action to protect the customer, and initiate the G8D process.
D1 Establish the Team
Establish a small group of people with the process and/or product knowledge, allocated time, authority, and skills in the required technical disciplines to solve the problems and implement corrective actions. The group must have a designated Champion and Team Leader. The group initiates the team building process.
D2 Describe the Problem
Describe the internal/external problem by identifying ‘what is wrong with what’, and detail the problem in quantifiable terms (Problem Description).
D3 Develop the Interim Containment Action (ICA)
Define, verify and implement the Interim Containment Action (ICA) to isolate the effects of the problem from any internal/external customer until Permanent Corrective Actions (PCAs) are implemented. Validate the effectiveness of the containment actions.
D4 Define and Verify Root Cause and Escape Point
Isolate and verify the root cause by testing each possible cause against the Problem Description and test data. Also isolate and verify the place in the process where the effects of the root cause should have been detected and contained but was not (escape point).
D5 Implement and Validate Permanent Corrective Actions (PCAs) for Root Cause and Escape Point
Select the best permanent corrective action to remove the root cause. Also select the best permanent corrective action to address the escape point. Verify that both decisions will be successful when implemented without causing undesirable effects.
D6 Implement and Validate Permanent Corrective Actions (PCAs)
Plan and implement selected Permanent Corrective Actions. Remove the ICA. Validate the actions and monitor long-term results.
D7 Prevent Recurrence
Modify the necessary systems including policies, practices and procedures, to prevent recurrence of this and similar problems. Make recommendations for systemic improvements, as necessary.
D8 Recognise Team and Individual Contributions
Congratulate the team and complete the team experience. Recognise both team and individual contributions, and celebrate success.
The Global 8D Reporting Format
The G8D reporting format uses a Report Form which can be downloaded free by clicking on the button below. This form is backed up by the data, activity reports and other evidence of the problem solving activity which includes:
- Pre-data analysis
- Is/Is not report
- Differences and changes
- Root Cause analysis
- After-data analysis
- Decision Making worksheets
- Action plans
The key forms and explanations for their use, will become available via these G8D series of articles over the next three weeks.
Graham Cripps
Results Consortium Ltd
