Root Cause Analysis Tools for Technical Applications

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic process for identifying the origins of problems and determining an approach for resolving the issue(s). RCA focuses on preventing a problem from reoccurring.

Identifying and resolving the root cause(s) of equipment failures free up maintenance resources including planners, schedulers, MRO purchasing, supervisors, technicians, and/or mechanics to become more proactive in their everyday work activities resulting in increased equipment uptime (efficiency) and performance (effectiveness).

• Maintenance managers, supervisors, and leads
• Plant and maintenance engineers
• Maintenance mechanics and technicians

This course was originally titled, "Root-Cause Analysis Tools for Maintenance Professionals." It is part of the Maintenance and Reliability Management Certificate. Enhance your maintenance skills while earning a recognized credential.

Day 1

Overview of the root cause analysis (RCA)

• Elements of the RCA 6-step process
• Definition and benefits of RCA
• Key tasks for organizing a successful RCA event
• Defining roles and responsibilities
• Process for identifying and selecting an RCA event

Overview of RCA tools and workshop activities

• 5 Why
• Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram)

Day 2

Overview of RCA tools and workshop activities

• Design and Application Review
• Sequence of events
• Fault tree analysis
• Change analysis

Review tools for managing RCA event and sustaining improvements

• Project Charter
• A3 Report
• Audits

George Williams

George is the founder and CEO of ReliabilityX. He has a master’s degree in reliability engineering from Monash University. He began his career working for his father in maintenance – performing PMs on trucks and trailers – while in high school. George spent 16 years with a major pharmaceutical company, where he began as a technician and worked his way up to global asset management. In 2015, George’s global team won the Uptime Award for Best Maintenance and Reliability Program. He is a certified maintenance and reliability professional and certified reliability leader. In 2016, he was recognized by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals as Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional of the Year. He has earned certifications in vibration analysis, infrared thermography, ultrasound, motion amplification, and plant maintenance management. George is a published author and a recognized leader in reliability. He’s been teaching maintenance and reliability classes for UW-Madison Interdisciplinary Professional Programs since 2010.