Root Cause Analysis Resources & Links
Explore practical Root Cause Analysis resources, method guides, templates and trusted external references for engineering, reliability, maintenance and safety teams.
Start with the free RCA Toolkit, compare common RCA methods, learn the Apollo methodology, or explore further reading from recognised industry and regulatory sources.
Free RCA Toolkit for Engineering & Reliability Teams
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Apollo Root Cause Analysis Methodology
Understand the principles, cause-and-effect logic and four-step structure behind Apollo RCA.
Root Cause Analysis Method Comparison
Compare 5 Whys, Fishbone, ICAM and Apollo RCA and understand where each method is most useful.
Apollo RCA 4-Step Quick Guide
A concise overview of the four broad stages of the Apollo Root Cause Analysis process.
Root Cause Analysis Training
Explore practical Apollo RCA training options for engineering, reliability and operational teams across Australia.
Learn More About Apollo RCA
Apollo Root Cause Analysis is a structured cause-and-effect methodology designed for complex, significant and recurring problems.
If you are new to the method, start with our Apollo RCA methodology guide before moving into more detailed external resources.
Trusted RCA Tools & Platforms
RealityCharting.com
Official Apollo Root Cause Analysis software and training partner
RCPro® Software
The industry-leading Apollo Root Cause Analysis Software used worldwide
7 Steps to Effective Problem Solving - Dean Gano
A free 197-page PDF eBook by the creator of Apollo RCA. This in-depth resource (companion to the RealityCharting software) teaches a structured seven-step approach to evidence-based root cause analysis. It offers interactive examples and shows how Apollo’s logic-based cause charting makes traditional RCA methods “obsolete,” helping practitioners find and document effective solutions that prevent recurrence
Comparison of Common RCA Tools and Methods
A NASA-sponsored paper (adapted from Dean Gano’s work) comparing popular RCA techniques (e.g. fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, fault trees, logic tree analysis). It defines criteria for an effective RCA process (clear problem definition, causal relationships, evidence for causes, solution effectiveness, etc.) and evaluates how each method meets these criteria
5-Whys Guide & Template
A simple, printable guide explaining the “Five Whys” technique for root cause analysis. It illustrates how repeatedly asking “Why?” (often about five times) can peel away layers of symptoms to reveal a deeper underlying cause.
Cause-and-Effect “Tree” Diagram Template
A visual root cause analysis tool that helps map out causation in a tree structure. This template lets you start with a primary problem (the “trunk”) and branch out into multiple layers of causes. Primary causes lead to secondary causes, and so on, building a logic tree of cause-effect relationships.
Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram – What is a Fishbone Diagram?
An overview of the fishbone cause-and-effect diagram, a classic RCA tool for brainstorming and categorizing potential causes of a problem. Explains how the “fishbone” visual organizes causes into categories (e.g. the 6 Ms: Materials, Methods, Machines, etc.) and encourages teams to ask “Why?” repeatedly under each category
The Importance of Root Cause Analysis During Incident Investigation:
Official guidance from U.S. regulators on why and how to perform RCA after workplace incidents or near-misses. Explains that a “root cause” is a fundamental, underlying systemic reason for an incident and urges going beyond superficial causes. Includes a simple spill scenario illustrating how a basic fix (“clean up oil”) would miss the deeper cause (e.g. lack of a maintenance program to prevent leaks)
ASQ RCA Resources
Quality-focused RCA templates and articles from the American Society for Quality
Safe Work Australia Incident Reporting Guide
Government guidance on incdident reporting for businesses
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Is Your Team Capable of Facilitating Root Cause Investigations?
Find Out More Information
If your organisation is dealing with a significant or recurring problem and needs experienced facilitation rather than training, Root Cause Australia also provides professional Apollo RCA facilitation.
Build Your Team Capability With Apollo RCA Training
Free resources are useful for understanding the principles of RCA, but effective facilitation requires practical skill in problem definition, causal logic, evidence assessment, team facilitation and solution development.
Root Cause Australia delivers practical Apollo RCA training for engineering, reliability, maintenance, operations and safety teams.
- Includes Apollo RCA Facilitator Certification
- Used in mining, oil & gas, power generation, and manufacturing
- Delivered by certified Apollo RCA instructors with real engineering experience
Our training doesn’t just meet theory requirements, it’s built to solve the kinds of failures you face every day.