Root-Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions

Root-cause analysis is the systematic search for the actual origin of a defect, rather than simply patching its visible symptom. Only once the cause is understood can a corrective action be designed that prevents the defect for good, instead of just masking it.

Typical approach

Starting from an observed failure, the chain of cause and effect is traced backward — using structured methods such as the 5-Why analysis or an Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram — until a data-backed, defensible root cause is identified.

From finding to corrective action

A solid corrective action distinguishes between an immediate fix (resolving the acute defect) and a long-term measure (preventing recurrence) — whether through a process change, an updated inspection procedure, or a design change to the assembly itself.

In practice

At TRUMPF, designing and implementing long-term corrective actions for EUV-relevant assemblies is one of my core responsibilities. I work closely with engineering and quality assurance to not just resolve defect causes, but document them traceably and remove them permanently from the production process.