Using Fishbone Diagrams for Problem Solving
Problems are obstacles and challenges that one should overcome to reach the goal. They are an inseparable part of any business, and the success of an enterprise often depends on ability to solve all problems effectively. The process of problem solving often uses rational approach, helping to find a suitable solution. It is important to have a well-developed sequence of actions when difficulties happen, in order to make right decisions. For instance, if the result of some manufacturing process is unsatisfactory, that means that there has been a violation of production conditions, and it is necessary to detect and correct the causes to enhance the quality. Wrong decision can only temporarily cover up a problem and may end up in dire consequences. The steps to solve a problem are generally similar.
First you should accurately define the problem. For instance, “employees work poorly” is far from exact definition and solving a problem like that will prove difficult. Then you need to try to find the root of the problem. Your next step is to find all possible options, the more - the better. You should then rank the solutions you've found, considering time, cost and complexity of implementation. Finally, after you put your decision to practice, it is important to collect the feedback – the information about the real effectiveness of the measures taken.
There are many tools to facilitate the above steps. Using Fishbone Diagrams for Problem Solving is a productive and illustrative tool to identify the most important factors causing the trouble. To create this diagram, you need to define general types of possible causes like Methods, Machinery, Persons, Materials, Measurements or Environment and write them down as “bones” attaching them to “fish spine”.
It is worth noting that depending on the complexity of the problem, determining the correct correlation of its causes may prove to be difficult. Another disadvantage of this quality tool is the physical limits of the media (paper, whiteboard, etc.) on which the diagram is built.
Using Fishbone Diagrams for Problem Solving is a productive and illustrative tool to identify the most important factors causing the trouble. ConceptDraw DIAGRAM extended with Fishbone Diagrams solution from the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park is a powerful tool for problem solving with Fishbone Ishikawa diagram graphic method.
Example 1. Using Fishbone Diagrams for Problem Solving
Your organization may choose to apply Fishbone diagram for problem solving using the cause-and-effect analysis. Construct Fishbone diagram and identify many possible causes for an effect for attack complex problems solving.

Example 2. Fishbone Diagrams Solution in ConceptDraw STORE
Use the predesigned objects and templates, illustrative examples and samples offered by Fishbone Diagrams Solution for ConceptDraw DIAGRAM to draw Ishikawa diagrams for effective problem solving.

Example 3. Fishbone Diagram - Inability to Meet Project Deadlines
The samples you see on this page were created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the tools of the Fishbone Diagrams Solution. An experienced user spent 5-10 minutes creating each of these samples.
Use the Fishbone Diagrams Solution for ConceptDraw DIAGRAM Solution Park for quick and easy drawing Fishbone Diagrams, and succeed using Fishbone Diagrams for problem solving.
All source documents are vector graphic documents. They are available for reviewing, modifying, or converting to a variety of formats (PDF file, MS PowerPoint, MS Visio, and many other graphic formats) from the ConceptDraw STORE. The Fishbone Diagrams Solution is available for all ConceptDraw DIAGRAM or later users.
TEN RELATED HOW TO's:
ConceptDraw DIAGRAM extended with Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution from the Management Area of ConceptDraw Solution Park is the best software for drawing all types of diagrams from the Seven Management and Planning Tools: Affinity Diagram, Relations Diagram, Prioritization Matrix, Root Cause Analysis Tree Diagram, Involvement Matrix, PERT Chart, and Risk Diagram (PDPC).
Picture: PDPC
Related Solution:
UML Activity Diagram illustrate the business and operational step-by-step workflow of components in a system and shows the overall flow of control.
Picture: UML Activity Diagram. Design Elements
Create a Line Chart with ConceptDraw using our tips. Here you can find an explanation of how to create a line chart quickly.
Picture: How to Create a Line Chart
Related Solution:
Use the libraries from the Block Diagrams solution to draw block diagrams for your business documents, presentations and websites in a few minutes.
Picture: Block Diagram
Related Solution:
When trying to figure out the nature of the problems occurring within a project, there are many ways to develop such understanding. One of the most common ways to document processes for further improvement is to draw a process flowchart, which depicts the activities of the process arranged in sequential order — this is business process management. ConceptDraw DIAGRAM is business process mapping software with impressive range of productivity features for business process management and classic project management. This business process management software is helpful for many purposes from different payment processes, or manufacturing processes to chemical processes. Business process mapping flowcharts helps clarify the actual workflow of different people engaged in the same process. This samples were made with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM — business process mapping software for flowcharting and used as classic visio alternative because its briefly named "visio for mac" and for windows, this sort of software named the business process management tools.
This flowchart diagram shows a process flow of project management. The diagram that is presented here depicts the project life cycle that is basic for the most of project management methods. Breaking a project into phases allows to track it in the proper manner. Through separation on phases, the total workflow of a project is divided into some foreseeable components, thus making it easier to follow the project status. A project life cycle commonly includes: initiation, definition, design, development and implementation phases. Distinguished method to show parallel and interdependent processes, as well as project life cycle relationships. A flowchart diagram is often used as visual guide to project. For instance, it used by marketing project management software for visualizing stages of marketing activities or as project management workflow tools. Created with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM — business process mapping software which is flowcharting visio alternative or shortly its visio for mac, this sort of software platform often named the business process management tools.
Picture: Process Flowchart: A Step-by-Step Comprehensive Guide
Related Solution:
This method of problem analysis is widely used in IT, manufacture industries and chemical engineering. If you want to take a fresh look on your problem, you can draw a fishbone diagram with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM software, which supports both MAC OS and Windows. You can see and download fishbone diagram samples and templates in ConceptDraw Solution Park.
This Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram can be applied as template for performing the cause and effect analysis of a service industry problems. It can help to determine factors causing problems. Causes in this diagram are categorized according to the 4S’s principle that means Surroundings, Suppliers, Systems and Skills. Grouping causes allows to reveal main interactions between different events. This diagram was made using ConceptDraw Fishbone diagrams solution. It can help to reveal the causes effected a complicated issue. Of course it can be used together with other methods of approaching to the problem solving.
Picture: Draw Fishbone Diagram on MAC Software
Related Solution:
Sometimes it’s quite useful to look on a problem from another view. To gain insight into an obstacle you should use SWOT analysis, and this will help you to see the whole situation. When composing a SWOT matrix, you divide your problem onto four elements - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and place them into matrix.
This sample SWOT analysis matrix of the athletic shoes producing company was designed on the base of template provided by ConceptDraw SWOT and TOWS Matrix Diagrams solution. It delivers number of easy-to-use templates and samples of SWOT and TOWS matrices for ConceptDraw DIAGRAM. Applying one of these templates, enables to quickly find out Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. After creating a list managers can consider methods the business can use to amplify strengths and to decrease weaknesses; realize opportunities; and avoid threats.
Picture: SWOT Analysis
Related Solution:
ConceptDraw DIAGRAM software extended with Matrices Solution from the Marketing Area of ConceptDraw Solution Park offers you the possibility to develop the Ansoff Matrix of any complexity.
Picture: Ansoff Matrix
Related Solution:
Electrical plan is a document that is developed during the first stage of the building design. This scheme is composed of conventional images or symbols of components that operate by means of electric energy. To simplify the creation of these schemes you can use house electrical plan software, which will not require a long additional training to understand how to use it. You only need to install the necessary software ant it’s libraries and you’ll have one less problem during the building projection.
Any building contains a number of electrical systems, including switches, fixtures, outlets and other lightening equipment. All these should be depicted in a building electrical plans and included to general building documentation. This home electrical plan displays electrical and telecommunication devices placed to a home floor plan. On the plan, each electrical device is referenced with the proper symbol. Electrical symbols are used for universal recognition of the building plan by different persons who will be working on the construction. Not all possible electric symbols used on a certain plan, so the symbols used in the current home plan are included to a legend. The electrical home plan may be added as a separate document to a complete set of building plans.
Picture: How To use House Electrical Plan Software
Related Solution:
Fishbone diagram is a powerful tool used for solving business problems and obstacles. ConceptDraw DIAGRAM software extended with Fishbone Diagrams solution from the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park is a helpful tool for cause and effect analysis. It gives the ability to easy identify many possible causes and factors which cause the effects and to draw Fishbone Diagrams for problem solving.
Picture: Cause and Effect Analysis - Fishbone Diagrams for Problem Solving
Related Solution: