What can I do with Creately’s online root cause analysis tool?

With Creately’s online root cause analysis tool, you can visually map out problems, identify root causes using formats like 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams, and collaborate with your team in real time. You can customize diagrams, add data, comment, and even move straight into action by managing tasks with built-in Kanban boards—all in one unified online workspace.

Root Cause Analysis Template

Q: What’s the difference between a root cause analysis template and an RCA format?

An RCA format refers to the structure or methodology used—such as 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams. A root cause analysis template is a ready-made, editable version of that format designed to help you apply the method quickly and consistently.

Quickly Identify and Eliminate Issues at the Source

Use Creately’s root cause analysis online to visually break down problems, uncover hidden causes, and develop effective solutions.

Create a Root Cause Analysis

Save time with ready-made RCA templates for any scenario
Collaborate with teams in real time or asynchronously
Turn complex problems into actionable insights using intuitive diagrams

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Free Root Cause Analysis Templates You Can Use Instantly

AI Problem Solving Template

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5 Whys Analysis

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Cause and Effect Template for Design Thinking

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Fault Tree Analysis for Evaluation

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Visual Tools to Pinpoint the Real Problem

Snapshot of a root cause analysis template with Creately's Shape Info feature

Creately’s root cause analysis tools come with pre-built shapes, connectors, and popular RCA formats like 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa), and Fault Tree templates. You can use these standard RCA formats or customize your own template to fit any problem. Once causes and solutions are identified, transition seamlessly into action with Kanban boards—track, assign, and manage tasks directly linked to solving the problem.

Snapshot of Creately's Collaboration Features with a RCA Template

Collaborate on RCA Documents in Real-Time

Create, edit, and share RCA documents collaboratively with your team or external partners. Co-author root cause analysis templates live, add inline comments, tag teammates, and gather asynchronous feedback effortlessly. Integrations with Google Drive, Confluence, and Slack keep your RCA workflows connected to the tools you already use, so nothing gets lost in email threads.

Jumpstart Problem Solving Without Starting from Scratch

Image of Creately's root cause templates library

Access a library of professionally designed free root cause analysis tools and templates ready for any industry—healthcare, manufacturing, IT, education, and more. Browse RCA formats from basic to advanced, duplicate, and adapt them for recurring issues. When finished, export your diagrams as PDFs or images for reports, presentations, or audits.

Snapshot of Creately's AI Feature with a root cause Template

Speed Up Analysis with AI-Powered Root Cause Tools

Creately’s AI-assisted root cause analysis generator helps you create diagrams faster by suggesting possible causes and organizing your inputs into clear RCA diagrams. Whether it’s a Fishbone diagram or a 5 Whys analysis, AI transforms your notes into structured documents, reducing manual effort, improving consistency, and accelerating problem resolution—all within the same collaborative workspace.

What Is a Root Cause Analysis?

A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a structured problem-solving approach used to identify the underlying cause of an issue rather than just addressing its symptoms. It helps teams understand why a problem occurred so they can implement effective, long-term solutions and prevent it from happening again, and is commonly used across operations, quality management, engineering, healthcare, IT, and product teams to analyze process failures, defects, delays, and recurring issues.

How to Do a Root Cause Analysis Using Creately

Choose the right template:
Start by selecting a root cause analysis template free from Creately’s library. Choose formats like 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa), or other structured RCA templates based on the type and complexity of the problem you’re investigating.
Define the problem clearly:
Add a clear, concise problem statement to the central node of the template. A well-defined problem sets the foundation for accurate analysis and ensures everyone is aligned on what’s being examined.
Identify possible causes:
Brainstorm potential causes manually or use Creately’s AI assistant to generate likely contributing factors based on your problem statement. This helps you quickly build out the cause structure using proven patterns and best practices.
Organize and analyze causesv:
Group related causes using drag-and-drop, apply color coding to spot patterns, and evaluate which factors are most likely the true root causes. The visual layout makes relationships and gaps easy to identify.
Collaborate, finalize, and share:
Invite stakeholders to collaborate in real time or asynchronously using comments and mentions. Once complete, summarize findings, define corrective actions, and export or share the RCA through formats and integrations like PDF, Google Drive, Slack, or Confluence.

Save Time and Collaborate Better with Free Root Cause Analysis Examples

5 Whys Template for Design Thinking

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Fishbone Diagram Template

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Scatter Diagram Example

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Affinity Diagram Workspace

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FAQs About the Root Cause Analysis Template

Is this root cause analysis tool free to use?

Yes! Creately’s root cause analysis tool is free to use with ready-to-go templates. You can create, edit, and collaborate on RCAs online without any cost, making it easy to start identifying and solving problems immediately.

What is the best root cause analysis software available today?

While there are many RCA tools available, Creately’s free online root cause analysis tool stands out as a top choice due to its combination of ready-made templates (like 5 Whys and Fishbone), visual diagramming, AI-assisted insights, real-time collaboration, and seamless integrations with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Confluence. It’s designed to make root cause analysis faster, easier, and more actionable for teams of any size.

Are root cause analysis templates suitable for all industries?

Yes, root cause analysis templates can be used across a wide range of industries—including manufacturing, healthcare, IT, education, and logistics. Creately offers RCA templates and formats that are flexible enough to fit industry-specific needs and compliance standards.

How long does it take to complete an RCA using the template?

With Creately’s intuitive interface and AI-powered features, you can complete a basic RCA in under 30 minutes. More complex issues may take longer depending on the number of contributing factors and the depth of analysis required.

What’s the difference between a root cause analysis template and an RCA format?

An root cause analysis format refers to the structure or methodology used—such as 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams. A root cause analysis template is a ready-made, editable version of that format designed to help you apply the method quickly and consistently.

Can I track action items or resolutions within the template?

Yes, Creately allows you to assign tasks, add due dates, and link follow-up actions directly within your RCA document. This makes it easy to move from analysis to resolution without switching tools.

Does the template support team brainstorming sessions?

Absolutely. Creately’s root cause analysis tools support real-time collaboration, which is ideal for team-based brainstorming. Everyone can contribute simultaneously or asynchronously, with changes synced across all users.

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