How 8D is different from other problem solving tools ( DMAIC, CAPA...)

Problems of all types fall into a continuum of difficulty, and the various type of problem solving methods are suitable for problems at some point in that continuum.


A problem may be extremely obvious and easy to correct. Fix it and go on.
Another problem may not be obvious, but relatively small in scope and easy to fix. Use a standard CAPA approach.
Yet another problem may be relatively complex, require the input of a team with a more complex fix that could cause additional problems if not correct. This is the type of problem that an 8D/7D/5-Phase and many commercially marketed approaches (e.g., Apollo, Tap Root, etc.) were designed to address.
Finally, you have an extremely complex, probably chronic problem that has defied repeated attempts to solve, or was an issue that you just learned to live with and never imagined life without. This is the type problem that the DMAIC process was designed to address.
The Shainin and Statistical Engineering processes lie between and overlap the last two problem types.

Just few questions on 8D:

1. Please differentiate the following and kindly give examples:
- Symptoms vs. problems
- Leaders vs. champion

2. Who should be the champion? A person in higher position of the leader or anybody from management level (supervisor or engineer) designated by QMR to be the champion?

3. Who should be in the helm of the 8D process?

Thanks,
Thess

Just few questions on 8D:

1. Please differentiate the following and kindly give examples:
- Symptoms vs. problems
- Leaders vs. champion

2. Who should be the champion? A person in higher position of the leader or anybody from management level (supervisor or engineer) designated by QMR to be the champion?

3. Who should be in the helm of the 8D process?

A SYMPTOM is the effect of a problem as seen by the customer.
A PROBLEM is a technical description of the issue in engineering terms, possibly the findings from a failure analysis of the returned product, not to be confused with ROOT CAUSE. This is the starting place for determination of root cause.

The LEADER leads the 8D process and ensures that the 8D process is followed.
The CHAMPION removes roadblocks that the team may run into. The Champion does not attend all 8D meetings, but does keep current on status through the Leader. A Champion should be in a high enough position to be able to removal obstacles to team success.