What is a fishbone diagram?

A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram or an Ishikawa diagram, is a visual tool used to identify and analyze the potential causes of a problem or an outcome. It helps to explore the various factors contributing to the problem or result. The fishbone diagram consists of three key components: The Problem: This is the issue or effect you’re analyzing, written at the head of the fish. The Spine: This is the long, horizontal line connecting to the head, serving as the timeline or sequence of the problem. The Bones: These are the categories of potential causes. They branch off the spine, leading towards the head. These categories include methods, machines (equipment), people (manpower), materials, measurement, and environment.

When to use the fishbone diagram template

You can use the fishbone diagram template when you need to analyze and categorize potential causes, understand the underlying root causes, and develop effective solutions for a problem or issue. It is beneficial in situations involving problem-solving, quality improvement, process analysis, team collaboration, and proactive planning.

What are the benefits of using a fishbone diagram?

The benefits of using a fishbone diagram include visualizing all potential causes in a structured manner, promoting team collaboration and brainstorming, uncovering hidden or less-obvious issues, identifying relationships between causes and effects, and prioritizing areas for improvement.

Is this template free?

Yes, this template is completely free.

Fishbone Diagram - Excel, Google Sheets

Identify a problem's root causes efficiently with a fishbone diagram. This visualization template categorizes potential causes, making it a valuable resource for root cause analysis.

Template Highlights

Efficiently identify the root causes of a problem and facilitate effective problem-solving with the fishbone diagram template.

The free template is available in Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel.

This editable fishbone template can be used to structure brainstorming sessions.

To get started, download the template above and gather your team to find the problem's root cause.

Note the problem statement on the right side marked as "Effect."

Write the main categories related to the problem under the "Value" shape.

Note down all contributing causes under "Cause" in each category.

Find all the root causes of the problems, analyze the diagram with your team, and decide on the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram or an Ishikawa diagram, is a visual tool used to identify and analyze the potential causes of a problem or an outcome. It helps to explore the various factors contributing to the problem or result.

The fishbone diagram consists of three key components:

The Problem: This is the issue or effect you’re analyzing, written at the head of the fish.
The Spine: This is the long, horizontal line connecting to the head, serving as the timeline or sequence of the problem.
The Bones: These are the categories of potential causes. They branch off the spine, leading towards the head. These categories include methods, machines (equipment), people (manpower), materials, measurement, and environment.

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