Templates

Root cause analysis templates

Download what you need. Each template is structured for an audit trail and aligned with common quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100). Word for editing, PDF for distribution.

Root Cause Analysis Template

A complete RCA worksheet covering event details, problem statement, containment, investigation, corrective and preventive actions, effectiveness verification, and read-across.

If you need to formally document the nonconformance itself first, use our nonconformance report template.

When to use: Use for any nonconformance (NCR), customer complaint, or internal quality event where you need a full audit trail.

5 Whys Worksheet

Lightweight worksheet for the 5 Whys technique: problem statement, the why-chain, root cause, reverse test, and a short corrective action plan.

When to use: Best for lower-severity issues, single-failure modes, and quick team huddles where a full 8D would be overkill.

Fishbone Diagram Template

Ishikawa cause-and-effect worksheet with all six categories pre-populated, evidence columns, and a section to confirm the most probable cause with data.

When to use: Use early in an investigation when you need to surface and organize possible causes before narrowing with data.

8D Report Template

Full 8D structure (D1 through D8) with team setup, problem description, interim containment, root cause, permanent corrective actions, validation, prevention, and team recognition.

When to use: Standard for customer-driven corrective action requests in automotive (IATF 16949), aerospace, and medical device suppliers.

Corrective Action Plan Template

Structured corrective action plan covering problem statement, root cause summary, corrective actions, preventive actions, and effectiveness verification. ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 aligned.

When to use: Use when you need a standalone corrective action document separate from a full RCA investigation. Common for audit findings, customer complaints, and internal quality events requiring documented follow-through.

Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) Template

SCAR template covering supplier information, problem description, required response, root cause investigation, and corrective action verification. Used in aerospace, automotive, and medical device supply chains.

When to use: Use when a supplier delivers nonconforming product or fails to meet a quality requirement. Send to the supplier with a required response date. Common in AS9100, IATF 16949, and ISO 13485 supply chains.

Nonconformance Report (NCR) Template

NCR template for documenting and tracking nonconforming product, process deviations, and quality escapes. Covers nonconformance description, disposition, containment, and CAPA initiation. Suitable for ISO 9001, AS9100, and IATF 16949 quality systems.

When to use: Use to formally document any product or process that does not meet specified requirements. The NCR initiates the quality event record and triggers containment and root cause investigation.