What is 8D?

Eight Disciplines (8D) problem-solving methodologies seek to identify problems within a company or team setting and solve them to eliminate future issues. Also known as Ford 8D or the Eight Disciplines approach, the Ford Motor Company developed this method of improving processes in 1987 to give its employees a way to address manufacturing problems. Although it has roots in the automotive industry, this team-based process applies to many situations and scenarios across various industries.

Read on to learn more about the steps included in the 8D methodology, the benefits of using 8D, and how it compares to other problem-solving methodologies.

What are the steps of the 8D methodology?

The 8D process has eight problem-solving disciplines representing the steps to identify and solve problems. Because it gets to the root causes of a problem, the 8D methodology offers the possibility of permanent correction, ensuring an issue doesn’t recur. These steps work together to provide a structured approach for teams for an effective solution. 

The eight disciplines, each of which represents a distinct step in the process, include the following:

Discipline 1: Form a team

Before addressing any issues, you must form a team within your company to gather knowledge and information on the problem at hand. Your team should consist of about five people, each of whom should possess a product or process knowledge that will be integral to finding a solution.  

Discipline 2: Define the problem

Once you and your team have gathered the relevant information to the problem, you can define the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the problem to determine what you need to address. By stating the problem in quantifiable terms, you and your team can better grasp what you need to do to solve it. 

Discipline 3: Develop a containment plan

By developing an interim containment plan, your team can take definable actions to prevent the problem from affecting future customers and growing to the point that will affect your company or its resources.

Discipline 4: Identify the root causes

Your team should identify any potential root causes that may have created the problem. Your responsibility is to determine why the problem happened and if anything specific happened to cause the problem. 

Discipline 5: Verify permanent solutions

Now that you have identified the root cause, your team should begin developing, testing, and verifying permanent solutions to the problem to ensure its long-term durability. Testing out your solutions on a smaller scale will ensure their lasting effect on the situation. 

Discipline 6: Implement solutions and corrective actions

Now that you have tested and verified solutions, you can officially implement them to counteract the problem. Ensure that your team agrees on the best course of action and that you have discussed and reviewed all potential options before implementing your chosen strategy.

Discipline 7: Take preventative actions

Once you have successfully implemented your corrective action, you and your team need to confirm that it will stay in place as a long-term solution and the problem will not arise again. Modify your company’s management and operations systems and adjust company practices and policies to prevent the recurrence of the issue. 

Discipline 8: Congratulate your team

Formally recognize and thank your team for their collective efforts and a job well done. Also, take time to perform a final review of the process, noting any lessons learned or insights you gained that may be useful. The team is responsible for implementing solutions that have corrected the problem. As a result, the company or organization should appreciate and recognize them to support a company culture that celebrates continuous improvement and organizational quality.  

Read more: What Is Team Development? Definition, Stages, and More

Benefits of using 8D

The benefits of using 8D largely stem from its focused, collaborative methods. The detailed process can help your organization develop long-term solutions that will solve issues within the company. It also ensures that the company uses a consistent process and approach to solving problems, focusing on getting to the root cause of the issue. This process also calls for a team with effective communication skills, and utilizing the 8D method may improve communication among the organization’s employees. Additionally, as you develop solutions for your company, you increase customer satisfaction by addressing problems effectively and ensuring the same issues will not impact your customers again.  

Disadvantages of using 8D

While the 8D method can have many benefits, it is a detailed process that requires a focused and functional team. It also requires proper guidance and instructions, and a lack of resources or focus could negatively impact it. For these reasons, weighing the usefulness against the potential drawbacks is essential to decide whether the 8D method will work for your organization, customers, and employees.  

How does 8D compare to other problem-solving methodologies?

The 8D problem-solving methodology is only one of many techniques that organizations and companies around the world are using today. Some of these alternative methodologies include:

Lean

The Lean problem-solving method is similar to the 8D method in that it begins by identifying the problem and working towards a solution. However, the Lean method focuses on continuous improvement rather than the 8D method’s goal of long-term corrective action. Continuous improvement allows you to address the root cause of the problem while continuously seeking new and developed solutions. 

One of the main differences between Lean and 8D problem-solving is everyone's involvement in the problem-solving process. The Lean method involves everyone in the organization coming together to focus on a problem and develop countermeasures. Lean has five fundamental principles that constitute its implementation:

• Value

• Value stream

• Flow

• Pull

• Perfection 

Six Sigma

The Six Sigma method intends to improve business processes by simultaneously reducing errors and improving quality. An increase in quality and efficiency is integral to the Six Sigma method, and it stands apart from the 8D method as it emphasizes perfection. Six Sigma aims to achieve near perfection in corrective actions and problem-solving to improve the organization’s processes.

Six Sigma uses the DMAIC approach—defined, measured, analyzed, improved, and controlled—to help eliminate variations in problems. This approach has five key values:

• Focusing on the customer

• Measuring the value stream and finding the problem

• Removing defects

• Involving your team

• Ensuring responsiveness to the process 

Total quality management (TQM)

Total quality management (TQM) is a methodology used to improve businesses’ outputs through continuous improvement. Similar to the Lean methodology, TQM is an ongoing process that involves all relevant stakeholders as a way to reduce errors and ensure employees receive adequate training. TQM focuses on employees’ skills and analyzes and utilizes them to eliminate problems.

Employee involvement is one of the main factors that sets TQM apart as an individual problem-solving strategy to achieve long-term success for your organization. The eight factors of TQM include: 

• Customer focus

• Employee involvement

• Process motivation

• Integrated operations

• Organization-wide approach

• Continuous improvement

• Data-driven decisions

• Communication

Who uses 8D?

Various industries, such as manufacturing, health care, government, retail, and finance, utilize the 8D problem-solving methodology. Engineers and professionals in the automotive industry are among the primary users. However, numerous professionals, organizations, teams, and circumstances can benefit from applying it because the methodology's base is eliminating the root causes of problems, making it particularly valuable for product and process improvement. 

Learn more about 8D methodology on Coursera.

The 8D method is an excellent tool for identifying and eliminating a problem in a number of contexts. Learn more about core problem-solving skills and develop your foundational knowledge with courses and certificates on Coursera. On Coursera, you can find courses to improve your problem-solving skills, such as IBM’s Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course. You’ll learn to analyze problems to understand their root cause and use creative thinking to solve them. Explore Coursera today.