Global 8D - Implement and Validate the Permanent Corrective Action

Having established and verified the best PCA’s for the root cause and escape point, the next step is the implementation of the PCA’s.

To do this we employ the Deming 'Plan Do Check Act' cycle to ensure successful implementation.

The Global 8D Problem Solving Process is a structured approach to getting to the root cause and the escape point and taking actions to ensure that these are eradicated permanently through effective controls and actions that are embedded in the operations of the business.

In this article I will explain the steps that need to be taken to ensure that this is done efficiently and effectively.

Implement and Validate the PCA’s

The Deming cycle is used in the Global 8D process, starting with the G8D form and is used at various steps through the process.

In this current step the cycle is used to: -

PLAN – The implementation of the Permanent Corrective Action (PCA) giving particular attention to:

• Plan for validation of the PCA

• Plan to remove the Interim Containment Action (ICA) as part of implementation of the PCA

• Integrate check for side effects

• Plan for continued monitoring of effectiveness of the PCA’s

• Plan for all the necessary resources

• Plan for all documentation, process instructions, training and communication for the implementation of the PCA’s

• Define clearly the what, when, who and when (team roles and responsibilities)

DO – Initiate the implementation plan for both the root cause and escape point, ensuring that all the necessary steps have been managed and adhered to.

CHECK – Check that the PCA’s have been fully implemented and integrated into the operational and business processes. Validate the PVA’s for both the root cause and escape points (see item below on validation). Validation will be carried out at this stage and on an on-going basis.

The measures for effectiveness of the PCA’s should use the same measurables that we used to describe the problem in the article Describe the Problem. In other words comparing like for like data.

ACT – Take actions on any variation from the plan or expected outcomes.

Validation

Validation is proof that is developed after implementation has taken place, over a period of time and must:

• Follow successful verification

• Provide a data driven comparison before and after implementation

• Check that the implementation does not introduce a new problem or side effects

Validation is:

• Normally performed under defined operating conditions on the final product or process

• May be necessary in earlier stages prior to product completion

• Uses the same indicators that demonstrated the problem and may be easily tracked

Complete the G8D Report (Template)

Complete the Global 8D form and circulate. Remember to update team composition for any changes that are made, at the end of this stage.

The G8D form is a summary of the problem solving activity and is supported by all of the other worksheets, data and supporting information including the validation results that is generated as a results of the problem solving activity.

There are two more steps to complete the Global 8D problem solving activity. A lot of problem solvers would normally stop at this point assuming that the job is done. However, for the problem solving process to be truely completed we need to: 

• Recognise that there was a process, procedure or other activity that allowed this problem to occur in the first place. This is the root cause of the root cause.

• Having put a lot of effort into the problem solving process, the final stage is to acknowledge the contributions made to the problem solving and to ensure that all lessons learnt are shared and recorded

So join me next week for the final two articles that explain these last two stages. I will also provide access to further help to enable you to apply this world class problem solving methodology in your workplace.

Graham Cripps

Results Consortium Ltd