Ishikawa Diagram

Ishikawa Diagram is also known as the fishbone diagram and a cause and effect diagram. These casual diagrams are created by Kaoru Ishikawa. This diagram shows the causes of a specific event. Where can you see the diagram? The Ishikawa Diagram is usually used in many product designs and for proper prevention and to detect the good quality of the products. This also helps in to identify the potentials and proper cause and its effect. The variation is often caused by the imperfections.

The effect is shown as the fish’s head which is facing to the right side of the fishbone. The ribs of the fishbone serve as the major causes and its sub-braches for the root causes. The concept of the Ishikawa Diagram is first used during the late 1960s. The diagram is considered as one of the seven basic tools for the best quality control. It got its name because the diagram was shown which is similar to a side view of the fishbone or the skeleton of the fish.

Getting Started

When do we use the fishbone diagram? This diagram is often used and can be an effective tool for team and a group setting. In creating a fishbone diagram, you can use a white board or a chart to get started. There are also some software programs that are also used to create a Fishbone diagram. The effectiveness and the usefulness of the fishbone diagram depend on the level of development. You can easily identify the root causes and effect of the problem. To start making a fishbone diagram, start with the statement of the problem. As a team, everyone must agree with the statement of the problem. Once you are done identifying the root causes of the problem, you are on your way to understand and solve the problem. The key causes shown in the fishbone must be identified and learned by the team.

Benefits of Ishikawa Diagram

Using the Ishikawa Diagram or the fishbone diagram will give you or your team several benefits:

  • It helps to further prioritize and for proper actions.
  • The diagram helps and incorporates the metrics and is used to organize a critical thinking.
  • This tool will help to explore the root causes and helps in the organization of the current issues.
  • It is easy to learn and very straightforward.

The Ishikawa Diagram can also be used to answer several questions that are commonly arising in a problem-solving. The potential root causes of the problem are one of the major concern of the Ishikawa Diagram. The development of the diagram by Dr. Ishikawa helps many people and much other organization. The diagram continuous to improve the methods and the root causes that affects many businesses and organization.

Creating this diagram will surely build the trust between the departments and will help in the growth of the business. This will also help to further understand the key reasons and cause in the goal to reach the set standards. When using the Ishikawa Diagram, it is better to focus on the process of the improvement and to avoid further defect.

— Slimane Zouggari