With today’s intelligent fleet systems we are generating more data than ever.  While most companies  fundamentally understand the benefits of collecting fleet data, many struggle to convert the data into meaningful actions.  Routine presentations will often detail countless measurements  and KPI’s; Cost per mile, miles per gallon, maintenance events, towing incidents per ‘000 vehicles, all with charts and graphs showing trends from prior periods with almost mystical forecasts for the future.  Asking WHY is fundamental to improving fleet performance.  

Developing a 5-WHY Culture

It does not require extensive resources or advanced engineering to implement a 5-WHY culture.  5 Whys is simply a technique used to explore the cause-and-effects of a particular situation.  The primary goal of the technique is to determine the root cause of a particular situation by repeating the question "Why?" Each question forms the basis of the next question. The "5" in the name derives from a general observation on the number of “Why’s” typically required to get to the root opportunity.  As a simple example:

The vehicle will not start. (the problem)

1. Why? - The battery is dead. (first why)
2. Why? - The alternator is not functioning. (second why)
3. Why? - The alternator belt has broken. (third why)
4. Why? - The alternator belt was well beyond its useful service life and not replaced. (fourth why)
5. Why? - The vehicle was not maintained according to the recommended service schedule.

Had we accepted only the fact the battery was dead we would have missed the real opportunity to address the underlying maintenance practices. 

A great start point for building a WHY culture is with in-service vehicle failures.  Anytime a vehicle fails while assigned to a driver or job should generate a review.  These incidents are more than an inconvenience.  They will often result is lost service, productivity or revenue and can significantly impact operating cost.  Implementing a simple follow up process for such incidents allows drivers, maintenance providers, fleet management companies and others to ask WHY.  Over time the outcomes and discoveries can be dramatic; from changes in vehicle specifications and manufacture’s defects to driver training needs and maintenance practices.  More importantly, the process establishes a foundation of expectations that are centered on prevention and improvement.      

A sample mechanical failure review (MFR) policy and form is referenced for download in the appendix of this article.  

Ask WHY…Ask FleetLogik

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