Root Cause Analysis
4 Steps Quick Guide
- Problem Definition — clearly define what happened
- Cause Pathways — map how the problem occurred
- Effective Solutions — link actions to identified causes
- Implementation & Verification — track whether the changes worked
Apollo Root Cause Analysis
The Four Steps of Apollo Root Cause Analysis
Apollo Root Cause Analysis is a structured cause-and-effect method for investigating complex or recurring problems.
The method can be summarised into four practical stages: define the problem, build the causal pathways, identify effective solutions, and implement and verify those actions.
This quick guide provides a high-level overview of each step. For a deeper explanation of the methodology, visit our Apollo Root Cause Analysis Methodology guide.
A Smart Leader Acts on Data – Not Guesswork
If repeat failures are costing you time, money, or safety performance, the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of a few minutes to learn a better way.
There’s no catch, no risk – just the understanding of how these proven steps can stop problems at the root cause.
The Apollo Method
Define the Problem
Clearly establish the problem the team is trying to solve before analysing causes. A well-defined problem gives the investigation focus and helps prevent the team from solving the wrong issue.
Cause Pathways
Develop a logical picture of how the problem occurred by examining the relationships between contributing causes. Apollo RCA allows multiple causal pathways to be represented rather than forcing the investigation into one simple chain.
Identify Solutions
Develop potential solutions against the causes identified during the investigation. The aim is to select effective actions based on our solution criteria that address the causal conditions rather than simply treating the visible symptom.
Implementation & Tracking
Put the effective actions into place and review whether they produced the intended improvement. Effective RCA includes follow-through. Closing an investigation report is not the same as confirming that the problem has been adequately addressed.
Why Undertake The Apollo RCA Course
The Four Steps Are Simple.
Applying Them Well Is Not.
The Apollo RCA framework is deliberately easy to understand.
The skill lies in how the investigation is facilitated: defining the problem correctly, developing sound causal logic, distinguishing evidence from assumption, challenging gaps in the analysis and selecting solutions that are likely to be effective.
These are practical skills that are difficult to develop from a checklist alone.
RC Pro™ Supports the Investigation
RC Pro™ provides a visual environment for developing Apollo RCA cause charts, recording evidence, documenting solutions and managing investigation outputs.
Participants use the software during Apollo RCA training to apply the methodology in practical exercises.
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Flexible, Live, and Certified Apollo RCA Training—Delivered Wherever You Work
Apollo RCA Training to suit your needs
In-Person & Online formats ideal for:
Asset managers and engineers
Teams that cannot accommodate full-day on-site sessions
Organisations needing repeatable, scalable RCA capability
We also offer NDA-protected delivery for sensitive or regulated industries.
Apollo RCA FAQs
What are the four steps of Apollo Root Cause Analysis?
Define the problem, build the causal pathways, identify effective solutions, and implement and verify those solutions.
Why is problem definition important?
Because the investigation needs a clear factual boundary before the team begins analysing causes.
What is a cause pathway?
A cause pathway is a sequence or network of cause-and-effect relationships that explains how an outcome occurred.
Does Apollo RCA always identify one root cause?
No. Complex problems often involve multiple interacting causes and causal pathways.
When should I use a formal RCA?
When the cost of inaction is greater than the cost of repeating the failure. Formal RCA is most useful for complex, recurring, significant or high-consequence problems where simpler methods may not provide enough depth.
Is RC Pro™ required?
The method can be understood without software, but RC Pro™ provides a structured environment for charting, documenting evidence and managing investigation outputs.
