What is Apollo Root Cause Analysis™?
A systematic approach to effective problem solvingAbout the Apollo Root Cause Analysis™ Methodology
Apollo Root Cause Analysis™ (RCA) is an evidence-based methodology to solving complex problems. It provides a new way of thinking through the use of a 4-stage process.
It is quickly becoming a globally standardised approach, as it is a collaborative, thorough, solutions-focused approach.
What are the 4 Stages of Apollo Root Cause Analysis?
The Four Stages of Apollo Root Cause Analysis™ Methodology
The Apollo RCA Methodology is the only process that following cause-and-effect principles, allowing stakeholders to create a comprehensive common reality.
When facilitated correctly, users of Apollo RCA will have a clear understanding of the issue, all possible contributing factors, the most effective solution and how to implement and track that solution.
Stage 1 - Define the Problem
Using the Apollo RCA method, the facilitator will take the participants through a set of specific questions in order to effectively define the problem.
This stage looks at the significance of the problem, relative to the effect it has on your organisation.
Stage 3 - Identify Effective Solutions
This stage of the Apollo RCA process is highly collaborative. Each cause identified above is challenged by asking a series of questions.
No ideas are restricted during this process. Instead, they are discussed and measured against an effective solution criteria, until the most effective is found.
It is when an effective solution is identified that the root cause of the issue is found.
Stage 2 - Determine Casual Relationships
Here, cause-and-effect principles are used to understand the relationship between actions and conditions leading up to the event.
At this step, stakeholders collaborate to create a RealityChart® – not to lay blame, but to establish a common reality and root cause
Stage 4 - Implement and Track Solutions
This step is one of the reasons that the Apollo method is so effective. Many other processes stop once the cause is identified – where Apollo’s methodology supports the identification and implementation of a solution.
When using the supporting software, RC Pro® (that comes with any Holistic AM Apollo Training), you are supported in creating a concise event report, that is easily shared with all relevant stakeholders.
Moreover, it encourages the use of a Return on Investment calculation, establishing the value of Apollo RCA and the contributions of the involved parties.
Stage 1 - Define the Problem
Using the Apollo RCA method, the facilitator will take the participants through a set of specific questions in order to effectively define the problem.
This stage looks at the significance of the problem, relative to the effect it has on your organisation.
Stage 2 - Determine Casual Relationships
Here, cause-and-effect principles are used to understand the relationship between actions and conditions leading up to the event.
At this step, stakeholders collaborate to create a RealityChart® – not to lay blame, but to establish a common reality and root cause
Stage 3 - Identify Effective Solutions
This stage of the Apollo RCA process is highly collaborative. Each cause identified above is challenged by asking a series of questions.
No ideas are restricted during this process. Instead, they are discussed and measured against an effective solution criteria, until the most effective is found.
It is when an effective solution is identified that the root cause of the issue is found.
Stage 4 - Implement and Track Solutions
This step is one of the reasons that the Apollo method is so effective. Many other processes stop once the cause is identified – where Apollo’s methodology supports the identification and implementation of a solution.
When using the supporting software, RC Pro® (that comes with any Holistic AM Apollo Training), you are supported in creating a concise event report, that is easily shared with all relevant stakeholders.
Moreover, it encourages the use of a Return on Investment calculation, establishing the value of Apollo RCA and the contributions of the involved parties.
Not Sure How Apollo RCA Can Help Your Team?
Get in TouchWho Developed the Apollo Root Cause Analysis™ Methodology?
The Apollo Method was created by Dean L. Gano, a mechanical engineer, former nuclear reactor operator and Vietnam veteran – among many other things. While analysing the event, he was puzzled to find that many root cause analysis methods used (and that are still used today) relied upon guesswork, voting and consensus.
Through years of studying and teaching problem-solving, Dean uncovered the principles of causation and created the Apollo Root Cause Analysis™ Methodology.
Practical Applications for Apollo Root Cause Analysis™
Who Uses the Apollo Root Cause Analysis™ Methodology?
The Apollo Method is a universal approach to solving both simple and complex problems and is an extremely effective for use in any industry.
As the leading root cause analysis methodology, it is used across a wide range of industries – for many different applications.
We encourage organisations across all industries that recognise the need for continuous improvement, have recurring problems they wish to resolve, or are looking to improve operational efficiency to up skill their teams in the Apollo Method.
Holistic Asset Management are the sole accredited trainers of Apollo in Australia; each of our instructors are trained by Apollo directly and are also reliability engineers with years of hands-on experience across the mining and manufacturing industries.
“It’s a fool proof algorithm in creating solutions that everyone involved can agree to.”
– Dorothy W (Reliability Maintenance Planner, Mining & Metals)
Benefits of the Apollo RCA methodology for mining and manufacturing maintenance
While Apollo RCA is a universal approach, there are industries such as mining and manufacturing that are quickly adopting the methodology as a standardised approach.
“Using the software and its underlying methodology, we have been able to uncover details about incidents and their causes that we would not have found otherwise.”
