Quality (Part 2: Ishikawa Diagram)

Professor Cummings introduces the Ishikawa diagram, also known as a cause and effect or fishbone diagram, as a problem-solving tool developed in the 1960s. He explains that it is based on a well-established problem statement and involves breaking down the problem into possible causes within specific categories, such as manpower, machine, material, method, and environment. The benefits of using this diagram include its visual nature, systematic approach, and organization, which aids in identifying the root cause of a problem. The process begins with a cross-functional team brainstorming session to identify potential causes and then moves on to investigating these causes for validity.

The second paragraph delves into the steps for utilizing an Ishikawa diagram. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear problem statement as the foundation for the diagram. The speaker then discusses the categorization process, which typically includes man, machine, method, environment, and material, but can be adapted to fit the specific context of the organization. The paragraph highlights the brainstorming session where potential causes are identified under each category, cautioning against letting the diagram become too complex. The ultimate goal is to investigate these causes to determine their validity in contributing to the problem.

In this paragraph, the application of the Ishikawa diagram is exemplified through a scenario where a car painting shop is facing complaints about the quality of their paint job. The problem statement is clearly defined as the paint being too thick and tacky. The speaker breaks down the brainstorming process into the typical categories, hypothesizing potential causes such as training issues, equipment malfunction, environmental factors, poor quality materials, and lack of standardized procedures. The emphasis is on the structured approach to identifying and investigating these causes to reach the root of the problem.

The final paragraph focuses on the follow-up actions after creating an Ishikawa diagram. It stresses the importance of not just brainstorming and categorizing but also of investigating the identified causes to confirm their validity. The speaker suggests interviewing employees, inspecting equipment, and reviewing procedures to understand the root causes of the problem. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the systematic and organized nature of the Ishikawa diagram as a methodical approach to problem-solving, aiming to reduce time wasted and efficiently address the issue at hand.

Professor Cummings concludes the video by inviting viewers to subscribe for more content and follow him on social media platforms for further insights into manufacturing and engineering. He mentions his Facebook page, Twitter account, and Google+ communities where he shares videos and articles related to manufacturing skills and engineering. The paragraph serves as a call to action for viewers to engage with the content and the community for ongoing learning and problem-solving discussions.