Trending measurements over a period of time can provide useful information for understanding performance in a particular area. This aggregate data is frequently used for identifying systemic issues within an operation. Ultimately, the objective is not to trend, but to improve results. Sometimes groups become so focused on measuring the trend they miss the opportunity to alter it. An effective root cause analysis program disrupts problems at their earliest indication.A systemic problem is one that is throughout the system. It’s common among different incidents. When an organization has fifteen similar incidents in one year they are typically reviewed to find systemic issues. Tracking these fifteen incidents is important, but the missed opportunities for improvements after each incident are even more significant. After reviewing the first incident, the organization experienced a second incident and then there was a third.
The organization had 14 different opportunities to prevent the next incident. A thorough, effective root cause analysis process is not being employed. If there really are systemic issues, they can be found within any one of the fifteen different incidents. This means details within the first incident can potentially reveal the systemic issues in the organization. If these systemic issues are addressed in the first incident the other fourteen don’t necessarily have to occur. The point is systemic issues can be identified by dissecting the details of any one issue without waiting for a trend at the end of the year. Each individual problem provides a snapshot of the organization’s operations.
You must log in to post a comment.