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Root Cause Analysis Fishbone Examples

A fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram structures root cause analysis: the effect is the fish's head, the major cause categories are the bones, and the specific contributing factors are the sub-bones.

Standard Ishikawa (1968) cause-and-effectEngine schematex-fishboneExport SVG · PNG · PDF
2 templates
Fishbone diagram Root Cause Analysis
Website traffic drop root-cause analysis — Fishbone DiagramWebsite traffic drop root-cause analysis — Fishbone DiagramRoot Cause AnalysisUse template →Manufacturing defect 6M fishbone — Fishbone DiagramManufacturing defect 6M fishbone — Fishbone DiagramRoot Cause AnalysisUse template →

Nothing close enough? Start from a blank fishbone diagram → Describe it in one paragraph.

How to

How to use a fishbone diagram template.

  1. 01Name the effect (the problem)

    Place the problem statement at the right — it becomes the fish head.

  2. 02Define the cause categories

    Use standard categories (People, Process, Technology, Environment) or name your own — these become the major bones.

  3. 03Add contributing factors

    Under each category, list the specific factors that could contribute to the effect — these become the sub-bones.

  4. 04Prioritize for root causes

    Circle or highlight the factors most likely to be root causes; export the diagram for the postmortem record.

FAQ

Questions about fishbone diagram templates

What is a fishbone diagram?

Also called an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram. The effect (problem) is at the right; major cause categories branch off the spine; specific contributing factors branch off each category. It is the standard tool for structured root cause analysis.

What are the standard cause categories?

The classic 6M categories are Man, Machine, Method, Material, Measurement, and Mother Nature (environment). For software, common alternatives are People, Process, Technology, Environment, and Communication.

Is a fishbone diagram the same as an Ishikawa diagram?

Yes — they are the same tool. "Fishbone" refers to the visual shape; "Ishikawa" refers to the creator, Kaoru Ishikawa.