Root Cause Analysis

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a broad term that refers to various approaches, tools, and techniques used to analyze the causes of problems. Some RCA approaches are more focused on identifying true root causes than others, while others are more general problem-solving techniques. Still, others provide support for the core activity of root cause analysis. The field of total quality management can be traced back to root cause analysis (TQM). TQM has evolved in various directions, including problem analysis, problem-solving, and root cause analysis. Root cause analysis is a component of a broader problem-solving process and is essential to continuous improvement. As a result, root cause analysis is one of the foundational pillars of any organization.