Quick Definition:
A Fishbone Diagram (also known as an Ishikawa or Cause-and-Effect diagram) is a visualization tool for categorizing the potential causes of a problem in order to identify its root causes.
The 6 Ms of Fishbone Diagrams
Potential causes are typically grouped into six categories (the 6 Ms):
- Manpower: People-related issues (skills, training, morale).
- Methods: Process-related issues (procedures, workflows).
- Machines: Tool and technology issues (software, hardware).
- Materials: Input issues (raw materials, data).
- Measurements: Data and metric issues (incorrect KPIs).
- Mother Nature: Environmental issues (weather, office space).
How to Create One
Draw a horizontal line (the “spine”) with the problem at the head. Add diagonal lines (the “bones”) for each category, and then brainstorm potential causes within each category.
