Home Consultancy CIMM Maturity Model Level 2 – Continuous improvement culture Problem Solving

What is Problem Solving?

Problem Solving focuses on solving problems in a structured way and preventing recurrence. Teams analyse what is actually happening, look for causes, and test improvements that make the process better, more stable, or more reliable.

Within CIMM Level 2, Problem Solving is closely linked to Kaizen: continuous improvement in small, practical steps. Improvements originate at the Gemba, the place where the work happens, and are carried out using the PDCA cycle: Plan, Do, Check, Act.

In certain sectors (such as automotive and high-tech), the 8D approach is also widely followed. For this, please see our 8D Problem Solving training.

PDCA

The PDCA approach for Kaizen improvement projects

Problem Solving follows the PDCA approach. Teams first understand the problem, define and implement the solution, check the effect, and embed the improvement in daily practice. An alternative to the PDCA approach is the 8D methodology.

problem solving with PDCA

1. Plan

Understand the problem

Map out the problem based on facts from the field. Observe at the Gemba, listen to employees, and investigate where deviations, waste, or bottlenecks occur.

 

cimm problem solving pdca

2. Do

Implement solution

Develop a practical countermeasure and test it on a small scale. The emphasis is on learning by doing, rather than lengthy analysis without action.

 

cimm problem solving pdca

3. Check

Check the effect

Develop a practical countermeasure and test it on a small scale. The emphasis is on learning by doing, rather than lengthy analysis without action.

 

cimm problem solving pdca

4. Act

Embed the improvement

When the solution works, it is recorded in the standard way of working. New insights are used as a basis for further improvement.

 

Taking the Problem Solving approach to a higher level

Problem Solving only delivers results when teams look beyond symptoms and investigate the actual causes of deviations. A fixed improvement rhythm makes problems visible, ensures ownership, and supports the follow-up of actions according to PDCA. Solutions are tested, evaluated, and recorded in updated work standards so that problems do not return.

Symbol helps organisations to set this up practically with Kaizen events, root cause analyses, and improvement workshops centred around current problems on the shop floor.

Within CIMM Level 2, Problem Solving is secured when employees actively signal deviations, apply analytical techniques, carry out improvement actions, and include successful solutions in the daily standard way of working for all teams involved.

View other elements in Level 2

Do you want to take your Problem Solving skills to a higher level?

Symbol teaches organisations to tackle problems more effectively. To this end, we train employees in the Kaizen PDCA approach, in Problem Solving and RCA techniques, and in the 8D methodology. This enables teams to better identify and eliminate the root cause of a problem. This leads to an improvement in performance and fewer (customer) complaints.

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