Fishbone (Ishikawa) | CWX Workflow Tools
CWX_WORKFLOW_TOOLS// MOD 01 · FISHBONE ← OPS CONSOLE

Ops Console / Module 01 / Fishbone

Fishbone (Ishikawa)

See every cause before you chase one.

When a problem has many possible causes at once, a fishbone spreads them across six categories so a team can map the whole field instead of arguing over one hunch. Brainstorm causes under each bone, then run a 5 Whys on the few that look most likely.

Time15–30 min
FormatInteractive builder
SavesPDF · JSON record
← Pareto Root Cause module

What it is

A cause-and-effect diagram that sorts every possible cause of a problem into six categories, so a team sees the whole field before chasing one lead.

When to use it

Group brainstorming on a problem with several parallel causes. Where 5 Whys follows one thread, the fishbone spreads out.

How to run it

Name the problem, then fill each bone with causes the team calls out. Circle the few most likely and confirm each with a 5 Whys.

Saved

Worked example: reprints above target

The team brainstorms causes of high reprints. Machine: worn blanket, drifting density. Method: skipped makeready check, no preflight. Material: new stock, humidity in paper. Manpower: night-shift handoff, training gap. Measurement: no color target signed off. Environment: press-room humidity swings. With the field mapped, "skipped makeready check" and "no color target" look most likely, so each gets a 5 Whys next.