ABSTRACT

Troubleshooting is a fundamental technique that everyone should acquire. It is rooted in the various techniques collectively referred to as cause–effect analysis (root cause analysis or RCA) but with significant differences. Both utilize cause–effect relationships as the key to finding solutions. However, troubleshooting is usually more short-term oriented, focusing on what is wrong (where and how), while RCA is more long-term oriented, focusing on why (for long-term solutions). The intent of this article is to clarify some common points of confusion, including the true meaning of root cause and RCA, the difference between RCA and troubleshooting, and techniques and tools for RCA and troubleshooting.