Use Case

5 Whys Root Cause Analysis

Simplify 5 Whys execution to quickly identify and correct problems for improved uptime, processes and quality
Usecase 5 Whys
USE CASE OUTCOMES

Changes You’ll See with Poka

Improved OEE by finding root causes of issues and fixing them permanently.

Saved time and paper with digital forms.

Engage everyone in problem solving by having immediate access to proper training, forms and results.

Increased supervisor and management involvement with form summaries and analytics.

WHO WE HELP

CONNECTING AND EMPOWERING WORKERS WORLDWIDE

HOW WE HELP

Forms & Checklists

  • Use pre-built or easily customizable form templates to set up 5 Whys reporting and process

  • Easily accessible forms anywhere with QR code scan

  • Key personnel notified when 5 Whys forms are submitted
Use Case form
HOW WE HELP

Analytics

  • Built in dashboards provide insights and visibility to trends to ensure 5 Whys results are consistent and thorough
  • Trends highlighting who, when and where 5 Whys actions are completed ensure everyone is engaged in a CI mindset
Use Case analytics 1
HOW WE HELP

Offering Solutions From Every Angle

Issues & Tasks

Create issues and tasks directly from the 5 Whys form, with notifications and assignments ensuring visibility and rapid resolution.

Skills

Work instructions, assessments, and endorsements ensure accountability, while the skills matrix provides an easy view of status and gaps.

Knowledge

Work instructions guide the 5 Whys process with corresponding tools, and viewing reports confirm consistency.

Communication

Visual communication channels inform and engage with root cause solutions from the 5 Whys process, celebrating improvements and boosting morale.

Ready to become a Poka digital factory?

Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis

The 5 Whys is a root cause analysis technique in which you repeatedly ask “Why?” (typically up to five times) to drill down from a symptom to its underlying cause. It helps teams go beyond superficial fixes and address deeper process issues.

Using digital forms allows faster submission, better tracking of who, when, and where root cause investigations occurred, and automated assignments and notifications. It reduces paper, ensures consistency, and gives visibility into trends.

Yes. Poka's connected worker platform lets you build or adjust form templates according to your process, industry, or internal workflows to suit your team’s needs.

Use standardized digital forms, require certain fields/steps to be completed, provide guidance or work instructions, and use dashboards to monitor submission quality, trends, and compliance.

The 5 Whys is ideal for many everyday process issues and defects where causes are not obvious. For very complex or safety-critical failures, combining 5 Whys with techniques like Fishbone diagrams or Fault Tree Analysis may yield better results.