What is the primary goal of the 5 Whys technique?

The primary goal of the 5 Whys technique is to uncover the root cause of a problem. This method involves asking "why" repeatedly—typically five times—until the fundamental cause of an issue is identified. By doing so, it allows teams to shift their focus from merely addressing symptoms to tackling deeper organizational or procedural flaws that led to the problem in the first place.

Root cause analysis is crucial in manufacturing and quality management because it helps in devising long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. This thorough understanding ultimately leads to improved processes, enhanced product quality, and reduced recurrence of the issue. Hence, the focus of the technique is solely on problem-solving, aiming for a comprehensive understanding that can lead to sustainable improvements.