Root cause analysis

Root cause analysis that leaves a trail

Move from the symptom to the system behind it. InspecOps gives investigators structured methods, a place for evidence and a clear record of the corrective and preventive response.

Investigation methods

A structured investigation, from first question to root cause

Use the method that fits the event, keep the reasoning visible and make the conclusion reviewable.

Start from the issue

Open the analysis from the issue so the original report, site, priority and evidence stay in context.

5 Whys

Work through up to five why steps, then record the root cause summary and the conclusion.

Fishbone and factors

Add contributing factors by category, record the supporting evidence and mark the primary root cause.

AI suggestions

Generate suggested factors or why steps, then review and edit them before adding them to the analysis.

Corrective and preventive response

Capture the immediate corrective response and the longer-term preventive plan in the analysis, then manage follow-up actions in the action process.

Status and completion

Track the analysis from not started to in progress and completed, with who started and completed it.

A conclusion you can review

The root cause is recorded, not reconstructed later

An issue is opened after a repeated quality defect. The investigator starts a fishbone analysis and adds factors across people, machine, method, material and environment.

Each factor carries its supporting evidence, and the primary root cause is marked. The corrective and preventive response is recorded with the analysis, and the completed record stays with the issue for the next review.

  • Method and contributing factors recorded
  • Evidence kept with each factor
  • Corrective and preventive response captured
Quality team investigating the cause of a repeated defect

How it works

Start, investigate, conclude and act

A disciplined investigation that frontline teams can follow and managers can review.

01

Start

Open the analysis from the issue and choose the method.

02

Investigate

Ask why, add contributing factors and record the evidence.

03

Conclude

Mark the root cause and write the summary.

04

Act

Record the response and follow-up actions, then complete the analysis.

FAQ

Root cause analysis: frequently asked questions

Which methods are supported?

5 Whys and fishbone, also called Ishikawa. Add contributing factors by category and mark the primary root cause.

Can AI help with the investigation?

Yes. AI can suggest factors or why steps based on the issue. The investigator reviews and edits every suggestion before it is added.

Can we record evidence?

Yes. Each contributing factor has a description and an evidence field, so the reasoning and supporting information stay together.

Is the analysis linked to the issue?

Yes. The root cause analysis belongs to the issue and keeps the original report, site and priority in context.

Can it cover quality and safety issues?

Yes. The same issue and RCA process can be used for incidents, near misses, non-conformances and other findings.

Does it capture actions?

Yes. The analysis includes corrective and preventive action fields, and follow-up work can be managed through the action process.

Ready to see Root cause analysis in action?

Bring one of your own checklists, permits or risk assessments. We will show you how it works in InspecOps in 30 minutes.