Analysis and problem solving

Problems are everywhere, which is a good thing because solving them spurs us humans on. Many achievements started with a problem! A problem is therefore not only negative, but is often the basis for interesting business models or product inventions.

It is precisely this approach that must always be kept in mind. Sporadically, the solution to an issue seems to be right there on the table, but unfortunately this is typically just a symptom — a "patch" so to speak. That may solve the problem in the short term, but does not solve it in the long term. As a result, the issue will come up again and again, causing the solution team to become increasingly desperate, as will the stakeholders. Accordingly, it will have a negative impact on the P/L.

Problem solving begins with the two most important parts: problem identification and analysis. Unfortunately, these steps are often drastically abbreviated, as people always tend towards the solution: "we have a problem, but the solution is already there... we have to do this and that... it only costs...".

Immediate measures will accompany the problem analysis and buy some time for the time being to implement the analysis carefully and conscientiously.

The familiar cause-and-effect diagram (or Ishikawa diagram) is expanded to include an additional «management» item. Instead of six dimensions, seven are now considered. Even if people don't enjoy reading it: many problems start in management because a holistic solution to the problem is never even considered due to specifications, as issues are excluded from the outset.

However, this mental limitation has no place in an analysis and it must fully and holistically identify the cause of the issue.

It is clear that the product or software that is three times pricier than the current one, cannot simply be used as a solution at a later stage. But there must be no restrictions in the analysis phase, the mind must be free.

Due to a reliable problem analysis, the problems can be broken down into sub-problems that can be worked through according to prioritize. The aim here is to work out possible solutions, to be in regular contact with stakeholders and to prepare a decision.

In principle, it is advisable to follow several paths and to evaluate them properly at the end in order to be able to make a recommendation.

Involving stakeholders supports the search for a solution and prevents time being wasted because time has been invested in the wrong direction. In addition, good stakeholder management can have a significant positive influence on the decision-making process and the desired decision.

Now it's time to implement the chosen solution! A lot of time has passed since the start of the problem-solving process – time well spent – because the solution can now be implemented in a targeted manner. Thanks to the thorough analysis of the problem and the clearly defined solution, with a clear decision for a solution.

In addition to obvious measures, non-obvious measures have certainly also been developed, such as employee training, adjustments to the offer process, improvement of internal communication, synchronization of targets between departments, etc.

Systematic problem-solving has also satisfied the stakeholders, who have always been kept up-to-date thanks to regular synchronization and the exchange of information. It has been clearly proven that customer satisfaction increases when issues are solved to their satisfaction.

Don't miss out on celebrating your team's success - it doesn't take much, but it increases employee satisfaction enormously.

I am glad to support you in all challenges in quality management, plant and production management and in various areas of information technology, be it as CIO a.i. or as a trainer/consultant in the field of cybercrime. My open-minded view of things also allows me to ask questions that your own employees no longer ask themselves. This is because they can no longer see the wood for the trees, or because a possible solution is ruled out from the outset. This is usually explained with former taken management decisions or because negative experiences/investigations have been made in the past.

This is where I can provide you with the necessary impetus and support. You can find my milestones and successes in my project overview.

Please contact me to clarify the details and my options during an initial consultation.

Analysis and problem solving

Solution and decision making

Implementation and effectiveness check

My services