Customer Reviews

Taproot: The System for Root Cause Analysis, Problem Investigation & Proactive Improvement

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are serious about improving performance and finding root causes then this is a book to read.
Great information with lot's of detail on how to investigate accidents and to use the same tools proactively to see problems and fix them before an accident can happen. I've read lots of books on problem solving and this provides a structured, systematic process that includes extremely useful tools. More than I've seen anywhere else.
There is a chapter that lays out detailed steps for investigating an accident or incident. Another chapter lays out how to use the tools proactively to improvement performance. There is a chapter about trending accidents that provides techniques for trending infrequently occurring accidents that I've never seen anywhere else (very advanced trending stuff). Finally, there are 6 chapters that explain the six techniques that are used in the process of root cause analysis an appendix with forms for interviewing and setting up an investigation policy.
There is a lot of information but it is presented in a readable format.

I found this book a difficult read for the following reasons. There is a lot of information but little or no meat. The book contains numerous "obvious" statements regarding incident investigation, root cause analysis and improvement programs that most or all safety professionals should already be aware of. Additionally, there are far too many self serving comments contained within the book suggesting to the reader that by attending one of the company's courses and using their software they will solve many if not all of their problems.
The abundant use of TM and ® indicate that the authors are very proud and protective of their work. To the reader it is just an annoyance. (Even the Spin-A-Cause joke has a TM).
The chapter on root cause analysis is good and very thorough. If one has the time and resources you should be rewarded with good results by following the suggested process. Also the chapter on trending is interesting in that it discusses how to trend root causes that occur on an infrequent basis and provides numerous examples from which to learn from.
Overall, the book has useful information contained within if one has the time to wade through the chaff to get to the wheat.

The book has a huge amount of words in it and a lot of info. It took awhile to read but helped me understand what doing incident investigation is about.

The book has become outdated with its references and data. Additionally, if you are considering purchasing the software, don't it is cumbersome and difficult to use.

Many and most authors of technical methods provide updates to their material as new research is performed and additional experience is gained. This author apparently has choosen to rest on his initial work in the root cause field, making the assumption that no new material is necessary or relavent for the readers. Having originally published the root cause book over six years ago one would imagine that new material is available for inclusion in a revision.