WHAT ARE THE EIGHT DISCIPLINES (8D)?

source:KF Quality    author:KFQ    2021-02-13 23:45:29

The eight disciplines (8D) model is a problem solving approach typically employed by quality engineers or other professionals, and is most commonly used by the automotive industry but has also been successfully applied in healthcare, retail, finance, government, and manufacturing. The purpose of the 8D methodology is to identify, correct, and eliminate recurring problems, making it useful in product and process improvement.

The 8D problem solving model establishes a permanent corrective action based on statistical analysis of the problem and focuses on the origin of the problem by determining its root causes. Although it originally comprised eight stages, or disciplines, the eight disciplines system was later augmented by an initial planning stage.

HOW TO USE THE 8D APPROACH

D0: Plan adequately - Make comprehensive plans for solving the problem including any prerequisites you might determine, be sure to include emergency response actions.

D1: Establish a team - Select and establish a team of people with product/process knowledge.

D2: Define and describe the problem - Specify the problem by identifying in quantifiable terms the who, what, where, when, why, how, and how many (5W2H) for the problem.

D3: Contain the problem (temporary damage control) - Depending on the circumstances, you may need to mobilize some kind of temporary fix, or “firefighting”. The focus of this stage should be on preventing the problem from getting worse, until a more permanent solution can be identified and implemented.

D4: Determine, identify, and verify root causes and escape points - Identify all applicable causes that could explain why the problem occurred. Also identify why the problem was not noticed at the time it occurred. All causes shall be verified or proved, not determined by fuzzy brainstorming. One can use 5 Whys and cause and effect diagrams to map causes against the effect or problem identified.

D5: Choose and verify permanent corrections (PCs) for problem/nonconformity - Through preproduction programs, quantitatively confirm that the selected correction will resolve the problem for the customer.

D6: Implement and validate corrective actions - Define and implement the best corrective actions (CA).

D7: Take preventive measures - Modify the management systems, operation systems, practices, and procedures to prevent recurrence of this and all similar problems.

D8: Congratulate your team - Recognize the collective efforts of the team. The team needs to be formally thanked by the organization. 

From kfquality.com