Root cause analysis (RCA) is a class of problem solving methods aimed at identifying the ultimate causes of problems or events. The practice of RCA is based on the belief that problems solved better by trying to address, correct, or eliminate underlying causes, compared to just addressing the immediately obvious symptoms. If corrective measures are directed to the latest causes, it is more likely that the recurrence of the problem will be prevented. However, it is recognised that it is not always possible to prevent the recurrence of non-compliance with the adoption of a single corrective action. Conversely, there may be more effective measures (methods) that can solve the root cause of a problem. Thus, RCA is often considered as an ITERATIVE process, and is often seen as a continuous improvement tool. RCA is typically used as a Reactive method for resolving a non-conformity: The analysis is done after an event has occurred. Personnel experience in the use of Methodologies for RCA, test useful as a pro-active method. In this case, RCA can be used to predict or predict likely events, even before they occur. RCA is not a single well-defined methodology: there are many different tools, processes, and philosophies for performing RCA analysis. The general principles that I must always keep in mind for the effective conduct of the CAR are:

I. The primary objective of the CAR is to identify the main cause(s) of a problem in order to it determines effective corrective actions to prevent the specific problem from recurring in the future, i.e. to address the problem with virtual certainty of success. (The term “Next” is meant as almost certain prevention of recurrence of the problem.)

II. To be effective the RCA must be carried out systematically, usually as part of a investigation whose findings and causes must be supported by documented evidence. This usually requires effective teamwork among the skills involved.

III. There may be more than one ultimate cause for an event or problem, the difficult part is to demonstrate by analysis their Persistence in the phenomenology under examination and support the effort needed to prove it.

The purpose of identifying all solutions to a problem is to prevent the recurrence of non-compliance at the lowest cost in the simplest way. If there are alternatives that are equally effective, then the simpler or lowest cost approach will be preferred. Identification of the ultimate cause depends heavily on how the problem or event is defined. An effective reporting on the problem and description of events (such as failures, for example) are useful, if not necessary. To be effective, the analysis should establish a sequence of events or timelines to understand the relationships between contributing factors (causal), ultimate cause, and the problem or event defined to avoid it in the future. RCA can help a reactive culture (which reacts to problems) into a forward-looking culture that solves problems before they occur or intensify. More importantly, it reduces the frequency of problems that occur over time within the environment in which the RCA process is used. Φ In order to achieve the effectiveness and success of the RCA, forms of support from management are often necessary, such as a non-punitive policy towards those who are ready to IDENTIFICATE problems within a system. Note that RCA is the most critical part of the success of corrective action as Eastern corrective action towards the real cause of the problem. The determination of the main cause of non-compliance is secondary in relation to the objective of prevention, but without knowing the main cause, it cannot be determined what an effective corrective action is for the specific problem.