What is the purpose of root cause analysis?

The purpose of root cause analysis is to identify the underlying causes of incidents to prevent recurrence. By understanding the fundamental reasons behind an incident, organizations can implement changes or improvements that address those root causes, ultimately leading to a reduction in the likelihood of similar incidents happening in the future.

This proactive approach focuses on learning from incidents rather than simply reacting to them, allowing for continuous improvement in processes and systems. Identifying the root cause enables teams to develop effective solutions, leading to a more resilient and reliable operational environment.