One popular approach to problem solving is the eight disciplines problem solving, or 8D for short (even though they are now 9D). This is an alternative to the Toyota Practical Problem Solving. I slightly prefer the Toyota approach over the 8D approach developed by Ford, but the 8D also has its advantages. Since it focuses more on urgent quality issues, it has a bigger emphasis on quick reaction and containment plans, but in my view falls a bit short on the Check and Act of the PDCA. I will talk more about the 8D in my next post. But first let’s look at the history of the 8D problem solving, starting with the infamous Ford Pinto fuel tank issue…