Fishbone Diagram Definition, Structure, and Steps to Make It!

Fishbone diagrams are visual analysis tools that can break down complex problems into more manageable components, identify root causes, and ultimately find the right solution.

This article will discuss fishbone diagrams in depth, starting from the definition, structure, when to use them appropriately, to the detailed steps in creating them.

Definition of Fishbone Diagram

A fishbone diagram is a tool used to identify, analyze, and visualize the potential causes of a particular problem or effect.

The name "Fishbone" comes from the shape of the diagram which resembles a fish skeleton.

This diagram helps the team to systematically outline the various factors that may be causing the problem. This makes it easier to identify the root cause and the right solution.

Fishbone diagrams are widely used in manufacturing, industrial services, product development, and much more.

Fishbone diagrams have several advantages:

• Enables systematic and structured analysis.
• Encourages creative thinking and brainstorming.
• Visualize the relationship between various causes.
• Helps identify areas that require further data collection.
• Increase the team's understanding of the complexity of the problem.

Fishbone Diagram Structure

Fishbone diagrams are a very useful visual tool for analyzing the root causes of a problem.

The structure of this diagram is similar to a fish skeleton, which consists of two main parts:

1. Fish Head: The Main Problem

The head of the fish is a place to write down the main problem or consequences that are being analyzed.

Here, you can briefly explain what the problem occurred, when it occurred, and other relevant details.

For example, "Decreased sales of product X by 30% in the last 3 months."

2. Fishbones: Causal Factors

The bones of the fish that support the body and the fins of the fish represent various causal factors that contribute to the main problem.

Generally, there are six main categories used or known as the "6Ms":

a. Method: Relating to company operations, including production, marketing and distribution processes.

b. Manpower (Human Resources): Factors related to employees, such as skills, number of workers, or performance problems.

c. Materials: Covers issues related to raw materials, both in terms of quality, quantity and storage.

d. Machine (Machine): Includes problems related to equipment and machines used in the production process or operations.

e. Measurement: Concerned with aspects of measurement and calculation, such as data input errors or problems in the performance measurement system.

f. Mother Nature (Environment): External factors that are difficult to control, such as weather conditions, natural disasters, or pandemic situations.

What is the Right Time to Use Fishbone Diagrams

Fishbone diagrams are very useful in the following situations:

1. Identify the Cause of the Problem

You can use a fishbone diagram when you have a complex problem and want to know the main cause.

The reason is, fishbone diagrams can help break down problems into smaller parts so they are easier to analyze.

2. Helps with the Brainstorming Process

This diagram is helpful when you and your team are conducting a brainstorming session to find various possible causes of a problem.

These diagrams provide structure, so that ideas can be categorized neatly.

3. Prevent Stagnant Thinking

When your team tends to get stuck in the same thought patterns or the same solutions over and over again, this diagram will help.

This diagram encourages looking at the problem from different angles and considering factors that may have been overlooked.

4. Organizing Complex Information

When you have a lot of information about a problem and need to organize it in a logical and systematic way.

Fishbone diagrams help group causes into clear categories.

5. Improve product or process quality

When you want to improve product quality and need to identify the factors that influence the final result.

This diagram is often used in quality management to find and resolve the causes of defects or non-conformities.

6. Analyze Data

When you have data indicating that there is a problem, but you are not sure what is causing it.

This diagram helps relate data to potential causes.

Steps to Make a Fishbone Diagram

Creating a fishbone diagram involves several structured steps.Quoting Coursera, here is a step-by-step guide to creating an effective fishbone diagram:

Formulate a Problem Statement

The first and most crucial step is to clearly define the problem.

This problem statement will be the "fish head" in the diagram. Place this statement on the right side with an arrow pointing to it.

It is important to ensure that the entire team agrees on this problem definition, as it will be the focus of the entire analysis.

Determining the Main Cause Category

Next, identify the main cause categories that will form the main "bones" of the diagram.

These categories vary depending on the industry and problem at hand.

For example, in the manufacturing industry, general categories might include:

• Human Resources
• Equipment and Machinery
• Processes and Procedures
• Raw material
• Environmental factor
• Measurement Procedure

Conduct a brainstorming session with the team to determine the categories most relevant to your problem.

Brainstorming Causes

Once the main categories are determined, brainstorm to identify as many potential causes as possible.

Encourage the team to think broadly and deeply, without limiting the ideas that emerge.

Categorizing Causes

Once the list of causes has been collected, group them into appropriate categories on the diagram.

These causes will be the “little bones” that connect the categories to the “backbone” of the diagram.

Digging into Sub-causes

For each identified cause, dig deeper by asking effective questions such as "Why is this happening?"

This process will produce additional layers of branches or "bones" in the diagram. This helps the team to understand the root of the problem more comprehensively.

Identifying Root Causes

The final and most important step is to identify the root cause of the stated problem.

Note the causes that appear most frequently and those that appear in more than one category.

These causes are most likely the root of the problem being analyzed.

Fishbone diagrams are a very effective tool in analyzing problems and making decisions in various industries.

By understanding the structure and how it is used, you can improve your team's ability to identify the root causes of problems and develop appropriate solutions.

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