Root Cause Analysis is a structured and orderly approach for discovering the systemic sources of operations problems and their solutions.

The fundamental premise of root cause analysis is that the organization can prevent recurrence of problems through the discovery and elimination of root causes. Thus, root causes are considered systemically and internally controllable. Because organizations control their operations through the application of business processes, a root cause can be viewed and defined as the lack of an adequate business process. Thus, root cause analysis can alternatively be defined as an orderly process for identifying and preventing the consequences of inadequate business processes.

With this perspective, root cause analysis is more than a problem solving or accident investigation method, it becomes a vital part of the management business-decision process involving the efficiency, safety, quality and cost-effectiveness of operations, the allocation and investment of business resources, planning and goals of the organization. In short, root cause analysis is an important part of the capabilities and technology of continuous operations improvement.