CI023
Use structured multi-factor investigation techniques to surface several contributing causes simultaneously rather than stopping at the first plausible explanation.
CyberTRIZ analysis · Process contradiction CI023 · one of 8,235 worked contradictions published by CyberTRIZ.AI
Regulations
Faster Root-Cause Identification vs. Broader Contributing-Factor Analysis
Business Context. Quickly identifying a single plausible root cause allows teams to act fast, but many process problems result from multiple contributing factors interacting together, and a narrow focus on one cause can leave others unaddressed.
Process TRIZ Resolution. Rather than stopping at the first plausible cause, organizations should use structured root-cause techniques that quickly surface a small set of likely contributing factors simultaneously, allowing fast action on the most significant ones while tracking the others for follow-up.
Applicable TRIZ Principles
Principle 40 (Composite Materials) combines multiple contributing-factor analyses into a single structured investigation.
Principle 1 (Segmentation) separates immediate action on the most significant factor from follow-up on lesser ones.
Principle 21 (Skipping) moves quickly through a structured technique rather than an open-ended search for a single cause.
Expected Outcome
Fast identification of primary factors
Comprehensive contributing-factor understanding
Reduced risk of recurrence from unaddressed factors
Efficient investigation process
Decision Indicators
Problems recur because only one of several contributing factors was addressed.
Root-cause investigations stop as soon as any plausible explanation is found.
No structured technique is used to surface multiple contributing factors.
Teams disagree about whether the identified cause is the only cause.
Follow-up on secondary contributing factors rarely happens.
If several of these indicators are present, the contradiction is likely active and the Process TRIZ resolution above should be evaluated.