Cause and Effect Diagram

A Cause and Effect Diagram is structured brainstorming tool designed to assist an improvement team in listing potential causes of a specific effect. It is also known as an Ishikawa Diagram, for its creator, or a Fishbone Diagram, for its resemblance to the bones of a fish.

Causes are often grouped into major categories, which are classically defined as the 6 Ms: Man/Mind Power (people), Methods (processes), Machines (technology), Materials (raw materials, information, consumables), Measurements (inspection), and Milieu/Mother Nature (environment). An additional 2 Ms are also sometimes used: Management/Money Power and Maintenance.