Problem solving is the act of recognizing a problem, determining its cause(s), and identifying and implementing the appropriate solution(s) to resolve (or at least mitigate) its consequences. There are two basic types of problem solving techniques:

– Troubleshooting: Focused on resolving effects quickly so we can return to normal or near-normal operations.

– Cause Resolution: Focused on determining the cause of the failure so that a permanent solution can be identified and, if approved, implemented.

Diary:

• Quantification of benefits
• Troubleshooting Overview
• Root Cause Failure Analysis Overview

Establishing problem-solving processes, tools, and competencies is an essential element of a successful asset management-focused organization. But this does not happen on its own, as it requires strong leadership from management and those charged with leading problem-solving and failure-cause analysis activities.

Diary:

• An effective team
• Communication
• Conflict resolution
• Motivation

The starting point is the failure itself and being able to correctly diagnose the problem is a key factor in solving the problem and helping the organization meet production demands, safely, respecting the environment, at the lowest cost.

Diary:

• Failure modes and effects
• Failure modes
• Failure effects
• Causes of failure
• Physical causes
• human causes
• Latent causes
• Types of failures
• Sporadic failures
• Chronic Failures
• Rules to follow in the face of failure

Troubleshooting is a problem-solving method focused on resolving the effects of a failure quickly so we can return to normal or near-normal operations.

Diary:

• When to use a troubleshooting process
• levels of rigor
• Structured questions
• The problem solving process
• After troubleshooting
• The qualities of a good problem solver

Failure Cause Analysis (RCFA) is a method we use to determine the cause of a failure once it has occurred to the level where we can anticipate it to take appropriate measures to prevent future failures or mitigate their consequences.

Diary:

• RCFA vs. RCM/FMEA/FMECA/PMO
• When to apply RCFA
• Collection and organization of information
• Interviews and Reports
• Data collection and classification
• Brainstorming exercises

Analyzing failure

• 5 Why
• Logic Tree
• Solution Focused
• Logic Tree
  Single Functional Failure RCM (SFF-RCM)

For an RCFA to be successful, it must follow a structured process and be facilitated. This includes preserving, collecting and organizing information, analyzing the information and developing an action plan to resolve it.

Diary:

• Facilitation
• Business processes
• A framework for conducting RCFA
• Pre-Analysis
• The 8D Process
• The final report
• Evaluation of the results