Six-M Categories
ConceptStep 2: Analyze
Definition
The six cause categories of a Fishbone Diagram: Man, Machine, Method, Material, Measurement, Mother Nature.
The Six-M Categories provide a structured framework for organizing potential causes on a Fishbone Diagram. Man covers people and skills; Machine covers equipment and technology; Method covers processes and procedures; Material covers inputs and supplies; Measurement covers data collection and metrics; Mother Nature covers environmental factors. Using all six categories prevents teams from fixating on the most obvious cause type.
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Where This Fits in the PIPS Methodology
This concept is used in Step 2: Analyze — Root cause analysis (fishbone, 5-why, force-field).
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