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QualityUpdated 7/8/2026·2,061 views

Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys)

Quick answer

Use 5 Whys or Fishbone; document the confirmed root cause in the RCA report.

Full procedure

  1. 1Review the Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys) standard on the department portal before you begin.
  2. 2Confirm you have the required access, PPE, or tooling for the task.
  3. 3Use 5 Whys or Fishbone; document the confirmed root cause in the RCA report.
  4. 4Complete each step in sequence — do not skip or reorder.
  5. 5Record completion in the system of record (log, ticket, or checklist).
  6. 6Escalate any deviation from the standard through the escalation path.
  7. 7Debrief the team lead at handoff on anything unusual.

Common mistakes & exceptions

  • Skipping the WMS/system logging step — every action must have a system record.
  • Not photographing exceptions before escalating.
  • Assuming verbal approval is enough — always capture the ticket or form ID.

Escalation path & subject matter expert

Escalate to
Quality Shift Lead
Ext. 4128 · Slack #quality
Subject matter expert
Priya R. — Quality

Frequently asked questions

Required forms

  • Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys) Log
    QC-382

My private notes

root causerca5 whysfishbonerootcauseanalysiswhys)qualityproceduresopatlas

Revision history

  1. 2026-07-08
    Version 1.1 republished by Jamal Carter.
  2. 2025-02-22
    Reviewed for annual compliance.
  3. 2024-11-04
    Initial publication.
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