Expertise Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis is about problem solving and specifically about finding the root cause of a problem. For any product that does not meet the requirements on time, Root Cause Analysis is the first step towards a corrective action. Since errors can occur throughout the life cycle, RCA is a valuable addition to both Reliability and Six Sigma and quality projects.

Since there are numerous potential root causes, it requires an approach that efficiently zooms in on the problem. The methodology of Statistical Engineering (SE) assumes that there is one specific root cause that contributes most to the problem. A series of specialized experiments can quickly make a complex problem manageable by giving attention to the individual components. Once you know where to look, it becomes a lot easier to understand the "physics of failure," or failure mechanism.

Root Cause Analysis can be applied as soon as failures occur in the field, but can also be used when a product is still in the testing phase.

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What our root cause analysis professionals can do for you business:

Holland Innovative (HI) can help you in finding the cause of failure in the product, means of production or production process. Based on years of experience, the systematic methodical approach and having a nose for finding the cause why something breaks down or it does not do what it should. Our experts have many years of experience in root cause analysis through statistical engineering methods. When engineers can no longer solve problems using conventional methods, they are asked to help find the cause - and with success! In 9 out of 10 cases the potential causes are found within one to several weeks. Our professionals have worked with large industrial companies, both multinationals and SMEs, as well as start-ups. HI professionals have a background in physics, mechanical engineering, electronics, chemical engineering, software and mathematics. Through our integration of Root Cause Analysis, Data Science, Design for Six Sigma, and Project Management, HI has become a highly skilled competence center for both developing and continuously improving products and processes.

The following questions are often asked in root cause analysis issues or in situations where the organization is wondering why it will or will not develop this competency:

  • Do you want to improve the reliability of your products in the field?
  • Are you dealing with the same type of failures for an extended period of time?
  • Do quality problems recur over and over again?
  • Do you have a discussion with your supplier about whether or not failures are resolved in a timely manner? Or perhaps with whom the cause of failure lies and in the intervening time the costs just continue?
  • Does finding the cause of failure take too long or cost the organization too much?
  • Are you looking for expertise or support during the Root Cause Analysis process?
  • Are you using a method to identify a root cause of a problem or are you continuing to try based on what comes up at the time?
  • Does your service department experience a high number of "No Failure Found" messages?
  • Does your Reliability testing program make room for non-trivial failures?
  • Are you curious about the interconnection between product quality, reliability, data science and Root Cause Analysis?
  • Do you want to know why your Weibull distribution (Beta) is lower than expected?

If one or more of these scenarios apply to you, you may need help with your Root Cause Analysis approach. Because despite great efforts to deliver the ultimate failure-free and robust design, even the best organizations suffer unexpected field failures from time to time. That calls for a Root Cause Analysis approach that quickly and efficiently discovers the root cause, which can quickly prevent escalating warranty costs.

Essential in setting up the right approach for root cause analysis

Does your team have experience with statistical engineering methodologies and structured troubleshooting or failure?

Do you have a lot of data, but don't know how to use it?

Do you have both right and wrong products available?

Do you want to know which data are useful in the search for the cause of failure? 

When to call us.

Our experts have many years of experience in Root Cause Analysis based on a strong technical background and proven methodologies. They work with your professionals to support the team in a structured, substantive analysis to find the root cause of the problem. Our experts have a well-developed understanding of your business environment, company culture and content challenges. They are not afraid to ask tough questions and never give up. We believe that a unique combination of technical knowledge, business acumen and soft skills is needed to take the next step forward together.

Root Cause Analysis for problem solving

Problems without a trivial root cause often have a long history. Together, we take a step back and describe the problem to arrive at a quantified, technical problem statement. At that stage, we conduct an in-depth search using Statistical Engineering to locate the root cause.

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Second opinion for failure mechanisms

In some cases, Root Cause Analysis may be accompanied by an analysis of failure mechanisms. Using our experience in Design for Reliability, we verify that the failure mechanisms are properly integrated into your design.

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Failure data analysis

What should you do when a failure occurs? Is the initial failure an "incident" or is an analysis in order? We can help you estimate how big the problem could become and what warranty costs you should count on if you decide not to fix it.

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Robust products and processes

The moment you have found the cause of a failure you can start working on making the product or process robust. Design for six sigma is then a methodology for arriving at robust, technical solutions. Statistical techniques are then used to demonstrate that the key design parameters are in line with the specification.

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Let's talk about your challenge.

Our experience and excellence in the execution of our projects can be valuable tools to help you further in your personal development and in the growth of your company.

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Ready to take on the next challenge.

Together with you, we face the challenge to share the future and take further steps towards value creation and lasting impact. 

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