TOPS-8D

TOPS-8D stands for Team Oriented Problem Solving - 8 Disciplines. It is an improvement project framework that originated in the automobile industry.

1. Identify the team

Gather together the team who is to work on the problem. Ensure that they have the time to do this and that it has sufficient priority with them that they will attend team meetings.

2. Define the problem

Clarify the problem to be solved with a clear problem statement. Also be clear about the scope of what is included and what is not included in the system.

3. Contain the symptom

Act early to resolve operational issues, implementing a temporary fix whilst you are working on a longer-term solution.

4. Identify root causes

Analyze the system measuring it as appropriate and identifying the root causes which, if addressed, will solve the problem.

5. Choose corrective action

Seek a solution that will fix the root cause. This may be easily apparent from the analysis or may need further brainstorming or benchmarking.

6. Implement corrective action

Put the solution into practice, trialling it first if at all possible. Observe and measure the process in action to verify that the corrective action works.

7. Make change permanent

Act to ensure the change become a standard way of doing things, for example by changing documentation and training everyone involved.