Root Cause Analysis: Digging Deeper with 5 Whys and 6Ms

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Not all failures are equal—and neither are the tools we use to understand them.
In this video, we explore two of the most powerful methods in Root Cause Analysis (RCA): the 5 Whys and the 6Ms (Man, Method, Machine, Material, Measurement, Mother Nature).

You’ll learn:
What the 5 Whys method reveals — and where it falls short
How the 6M framework broadens your view across systems
How to apply both methods to mechanical failures, broken processes, and organizational issues
Why combining both tools gives a clearer path to prevent future failures

Why This Matters:
Every breakdown has a backstory. Whether it’s a failed pump, a missed deadline, or a derailed initiative, tracing the problem to its root helps avoid treating symptoms—and start solving causes.

The 5 Whys digs down one path, asking “Why?” again and again until the underlying issue is revealed.
The 6Ms (also called Ishikawa or Fishbone Analysis) opens the lens wider, helping you examine multiple causes across categories.

Together, they help uncover both the depth and breadth of failure—revealing the hidden structure behind what went wrong.

What You’ll See in This Video
Real-world examples of both methods in action
Visual diagrams comparing linear and multidimensional RCA
Common mistakes to avoid when doing RCA (e.g., stopping too soon, ignoring systemic factors)
How to integrate RCA with risk bowties, causal chains, and FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis)

Who Should Watch This
Engineers and maintenance teams
Risk managers and asset analysts
Project managers and process owners
Anyone responsible for diagnosing and preventing failures