Full definition
Root cause analysis tool shaped like a fishbone that organizes potential causes into 6 categories: Machine, Material, Method, Manpower, Mother nature (environment) and Measurement (6M). Developed by Kaoru Ishikawa in 1943. Built through team brainstorming: the effect (fish head) is defined first, then main and secondary cause branches are added. Used in Six Sigma (DMAIC), FMEA and quality analysis. Complements Pareto analysis for identifying and prioritizing root causes.