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Eightd

  • 42 installs
  • 5 repo stars
  • Updated July 5, 2026
  • robdtaylor/personal-ai-infrastructure

Generates structured 8D problem-solving reports (D0-D8) for customer complaints and quality issues, with containment, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

About

A skill that produces complete Eight Disciplines (8D) reports for quality and customer-complaint problem solving, covering containment, root cause, and corrective actions. A developer or quality engineer uses it to draft an 8D report or run a 5-Why or fishbone analysis.

  • Generates full D0-D8 8D reports with IS/IS NOT, containment and escape-point analysis
  • Includes 5-Why, fishbone and root-cause verification methods with IATF 16949 references

Eightd by the numbers

  • 42 all-time installs (skills.sh)
  • Ranked #856 of 1,879 Documentation skills by installs in the Skillselion catalog
  • Data as of Jul 26, 2026 (Skillselion catalog sync)
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Listed on Skillselion
Installs42
repo stars5
Last updatedJuly 5, 2026
Repositoryrobdtaylor/personal-ai-infrastructure

What it does

Generates structured 8D problem-solving reports (D0-D8) for customer complaints and quality issues, with containment, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

Files

SKILL.mdMarkdownGitHub ↗

8D Problem Solving Skill

CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: Complete All Phases

When generating an 8D report, you MUST include ALL nine phases (D0 through D8) in every response. Never truncate or omit phases. If the response would be long, still complete all phases — use concise language but include every discipline. A partial 8D report is invalid.

Mandatory phases checklist for every 8D report output:

  • D0: Emergency Response Actions
  • D1: Team Formation
  • D2: Problem Description (with IS/IS NOT)
  • D3: Interim Containment Actions + Escape Point
  • D4: Root Cause Analysis (occurrence AND detection)
  • D5: Permanent Corrective Actions
  • D6: Implementation and Verification
  • D7: Systemic Prevention
  • D8: Team Recognition and Closure

CONDENSED FORMAT RULE: When generating an 8D report, write each phase in 3-6 bullet points maximum. Do NOT use elaborate multi-column tables — use simple prose or brief bullets. This keeps total length manageable so ALL phases D0–D8 are always included in a single response. Never stop writing before D8 is complete. If you are generating a long response and feel you are running out of space, shorten earlier phases to make room — but D8 MUST always be the final section written, fully completed. An 8D report that ends before D8 is a critical failure.

NO PLACEHOLDERS RULE: Every field must be populated with real, specific content derived from the user's input. Never output brackets like [PART NUMBER] or [TBD] — if information is missing, make a reasonable inference and note the assumption clearly (e.g., "Assumed: thread spec M12×1.75 based on typical application"). A template with empty fields is not an 8D report. The IS/IS NOT analysis in D2 must contain actual specific values for What, Where, When, and Extent — never leave cells empty, never use ⚠️ markers or "unknown" labels, never ask the user to fill in the data later. If a dimension or quantity is not stated, derive a plausible specific value from context and label it as assumed. A D2 section that withholds values pending more information is a failing response.

NEVER REQUEST INFORMATION BEFORE GENERATING RULE: When a user describes a problem or asks for an 8D report, you MUST immediately generate the full D0–D8 report using whatever information is provided. Do NOT ask clarifying questions first. Do NOT present a list of questions requesting the user to supply data before you begin. Use assumed/inferred values for any missing details and label them as assumptions. A response that asks "please provide the following information" instead of generating the 8D report is a critical failure. If the user provides even a brief problem description, that is sufficient to generate a complete 8D report.

D6–D8 TRUNCATION PREVENTION: These three phases are the most commonly truncated. As you write D5, actively monitor response length. If D5 is growing long, cut it short — D6, D7, and D8 are non-negotiable. After completing D5, you must write D6, then D7, then D8 in sequence. Do not stop. Do not summarise with "phases D6–D8 follow the standard template." Write each phase fully. The response is invalid if it ends before D8 closure text is written.

Overview

The 8D (Eight Disciplines) methodology is a team-based problem-solving process for identifying, correcting, and eliminating recurring problems. Originally developed by Ford Motor Company, it is now the automotive industry standard for customer complaint resolution and internal quality problem solving.

Skill Integration

SkillIntegration Point
A3CriticalThinkingRoot cause analysis methods
PFMEAUpdate FMEAs with new failure modes discovered
ControlPlanUpdate Control Plans with new controls
AutomotiveManufacturingWork instructions and process changes
InternalAuditVerify effectiveness through audit

8D Phase Overview

PhaseNamePurposeTimeframe
D0PrepareEmergency response, symptom assessmentImmediate
D1TeamForm cross-functional team24 hours
D2ProblemDefine problem clearly48 hours
D3ContainmentProtect customer, stop bleeding24-72 hours
D4Root CauseIdentify true root cause(s)2-4 weeks
D5Corrective ActionsDevelop permanent solutions2-4 weeks
D6ImplementationImplement and verify1-4 weeks
D7PreventionPrevent recurrence systemicallyOngoing
D8ClosureRecognise team, close reportAfter verification

---

D0: Prepare for the 8D Process

Emergency Response Actions (ERA)

Before formal 8D begins, immediate actions to protect:

1. Customer Protection

  • Identify all potentially affected product
  • Stop shipment of suspect product
  • Notify customer of situation
  • Provide replacement/rework timeline

2. Symptom Assessment

  • What is the symptom?
  • When was it first detected?
  • How much product is affected?
  • Is this a safety/regulatory issue?

3. **8D Trigger Criteria

Trigger8D Required?
Customer complaintYes
Field failureYes
Safety/regulatoryYes (expedited)
Internal scrap >thresholdRecommended
Repeat occurrenceYes
High severity PFMEA itemRecommended

D0 Outputs

  • Decision to proceed with 8D
  • Initial ERA documented
  • Urgency level assigned (24h / 72h / Standard)

---

D1: Establish the Team

Team Composition

RoleResponsibilityRequired?
Champion/SponsorRemove barriers, approve resourcesYes
Team LeaderCoordinate activities, report statusYes
Process ExpertDeep process knowledgeYes
Quality EngineerData analysis, methodologyYes
Production RepShop floor perspectiveYes
Customer RepCustomer perspectiveIf applicable
Supplier RepSupplier perspectiveIf applicable
Subject Matter ExpertsSpecific technical knowledgeAs needed

Team Size

  • Ideal: 4-7 members
  • Minimum: 3 members
  • Maximum: 10 members (larger teams slow progress)

D1 Outputs

  • Team roster with roles and contact information
  • Meeting schedule established
  • Resources allocated
  • Communication plan

---

D2: Describe the Problem

Problem Description Techniques

5W2H Analysis:

QuestionAnswer
What is the problem?Specific defect/symptom
Where was it found?Location (customer, inspection, operation)
When was it found?Date, time, shift, production lot
Who found it?Person, inspection method
Why is it a problem?Impact to customer/function
How many are affected?Quantity, frequency, trend
How was it detected?Detection method used

IS / IS NOT Analysis:

FactorISIS NOTDistinction
What[Observed defect][Similar but not this]
Where[Location found][Where not found]
When[Time first seen][Time not seen]
Extent[Scope affected][Not affected]

Problem Statement Format

Good problem statement:

"Outer diameter of part #12345 measures 25.08-25.12mm (spec: 25.00 ±0.05mm) on 147 parts from production lot 2026-01-15, discovered at customer receiving inspection."

Bad problem statement:

"Parts are out of spec" (too vague)

D2 Outputs

  • Clear, quantified problem statement
  • IS/IS NOT analysis completed
  • All affected product identified and quantified
  • Timeline of events established

---

D3: Interim Containment Actions (ICA)

Containment Scope

LocationAction Required
In-process (WIP)Quarantine, sort, disposition
Finished goodsQuarantine, sort, disposition
In-transitRecall or intercept
At customerSort, replace, rework on-site
In fieldService campaign if needed

Containment Actions

1. Sort - 100% inspection to separate good/bad 2. Hold - Quarantine suspect product 3. Replace - Provide conforming product 4. Enhanced inspection - Temporary additional checks 5. Process change - Temporary parameter adjustment

Containment Verification

Before releasing containment:

  • Verify containment is effective
  • Track containment metrics (PPM before/after)
  • Document all contained material
  • Customer acceptance of containment

Escape Point Analysis

Critical Question: Where should this have been caught?

StageDid we have detection?Why did it escape?
Source inspection
In-process inspection
Final inspection
Functional test
Audit

D3 Outputs

  • All suspect material identified and quarantined
  • Containment actions verified effective
  • Customer notified of containment
  • Escape point identified

---

D4: Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Categories

Occurrence Root Cause: Why did the defect occur?

  • Process, machine, material, method, environment

Detection Root Cause (Escape Point): Why wasn't it caught?

  • Inspection method, frequency, capability, training

Root Cause Analysis Tools

ToolBest ForReference
5-WhySimple cause chainsreference/root-cause-tools.md
Fishbone (Ishikawa)Brainstorming all potential causesreference/root-cause-tools.md
IS/IS NOTNarrowing down causesD2 output
Comparative AnalysisWhen similar items are OKCompare good vs bad
Timeline AnalysisProcess-related issuesSequence of events
Fault TreeComplex failure modesTop-down logic

5-Why Guidelines

GuidelineDescription
Ask "why" until physical root causeNot stopping at symptoms
Stay in your controlDon't blame customer or supplier without evidence
Verify each stepEach "because" must be proven
Multiple branches OKMay have multiple root causes
Stop when actionableRoot cause should suggest solution

Root Cause Verification

Verification Methods:

MethodDescription
Re-creationReproduce defect by applying root cause
EliminationRemove root cause, verify defect stops
Statistical correlationData shows cause-effect relationship
Physical evidenceForensic analysis confirms cause

Root cause is verified when:

  • Can reproduce defect by introducing cause
  • Can eliminate defect by removing cause
  • Explains all data (IS/IS NOT)
  • Team consensus on verification

D4 Outputs

  • Verified occurrence root cause(s)
  • Verified detection root cause(s) (escape point)
  • Root cause analysis documentation
  • Evidence supporting root cause

---

D5: Develop Corrective Actions

⚠ WORD BUDGET: D5 content MUST NOT exceed 80 words total. Stop writing D5 immediately when you approach 80 words. D6, D7, and D8 MUST be written after D5 — they are more important than a complete D5. After writing D5, your very next characters must be "## D6".

Corrective Action Types

TypeAddressesExample
Permanent Corrective Action (PCA)Occurrence root causeChange process parameter
Detection ImprovementEscape pointAdd inspection step
Systemic PreventionRecurrenceUpdate FMEA/Control Plan

Corrective Action Hierarchy

Prefer higher-order controls:

LevelTypeEffectivenessExample
1EliminateHighestDesign change removes failure mode
2SubstituteHighDifferent material/process
3Engineering controlMedium-HighPoka-yoke, fixture change
4AdministrativeMediumProcedure change, training
5DetectionLowestAdditional inspection

Corrective Action Criteria

Each corrective action must be:

  • Specific - Clear what will be done
  • Measurable - Can verify implementation
  • Assignable - Single owner responsible
  • Realistic - Can be implemented
  • Time-bound - Due date defined

Risk Assessment

Before implementing corrective actions:

  • Will action introduce new risks?
  • Update PFMEA with new information
  • Validate action doesn't create new problems

D5 Outputs: Corrective actions with owners/dates, risk assessed, PFMEA and Control Plan updates identified.

---

⚠ MANDATORY CONTINUATION: You MUST now write D6, D7, and D8. Do not stop. Do not summarise. Write "## D6" as your next line.

---

D6: Implement and Verify Corrective Actions

⚠ MANDATORY SECTION — must appear in every 8D report output. Do not skip.

  • Implement each PCA per owner and due date; confirm completion in writing
  • Verify implementation (did we do it correctly?) then validate effectiveness (did it work?)
  • Collect before/after data — control charts, PPM, Cpk — over 1–3 months
  • Update WI, Control Plan, FMEA to reflect changes; retain records

D6 Outputs: Actions implemented, effectiveness data collected, documents updated.

---

D7: Prevent Recurrence

⚠ MANDATORY SECTION — must appear in every 8D report output. Do not skip.

  • Update PFMEA: add new failure mode, revise S/O/D ratings, add new controls
  • Update Control Plan: add/modify inspection steps and reaction plan
  • Revise Work Instructions: embed process changes permanently
  • Retrain operators and quality staff on changes
  • Document Lessons Learned; deploy horizontally to similar parts/processes/suppliers

D7 Outputs: PFMEA updated, Control Plan updated, WI revised, training done, lessons learned filed, horizontal deployment complete.

---

D8: Recognise Team and Close

⚠ MANDATORY FINAL SECTION — the 8D report is NOT complete until D8 is written. If you have written D0 through D7, you MUST now write D8. Do not end the response before this section is fully written.

  • Confirm all closure criteria met: root cause verified, PCAs implemented and effective, documents updated, training complete, customer satisfied
  • Obtain customer acceptance of 8D closure (if customer complaint)
  • Formally recognise team contribution — acknowledge individuals, share success with organisation
  • Archive completed 8D report in quality records (minimum 3 years per IATF 16949)
  • Close 8D number in tracking system

D8 Outputs: 8D report approved and archived, customer acceptance received, team recognised, report closed.

---

COMPLETION CHECK: If you have reached this line, you have completed all nine phases (D0–D8). The 8D report is now complete. Do not truncate any earlier phase to reach this point — shorten prose if needed but all nine phase headers must appear.

---

Templates

  • templates/8d-report.md - Full 8D report template

Reference Materials

  • reference/root-cause-tools.md - 5-Why, Fishbone, IS/IS NOT
  • reference/verification-methods.md - How to verify root cause and effectiveness

MNMUK-Specific Guidelines

Response Timeframes

CustomerICA DueRCA DueFull 8D Due
OEM Tier 124 hours10 days30 days
Standard48 hours15 days45 days
Internal72 hours20 days60 days

8D Numbering

Format: 8D-[YYYY]-[SEQ] Example: 8D-2026-001

Approval Authority

SeverityApproval Required
Safety/RegulatoryQuality Manager + GM
Customer complaintQuality Manager
Internal >£1000Quality Manager
Internal <£1000Quality Engineer

---

Quick Reference

# Generate 8D for customer complaint
"Create 8D for customer complaint: [describe problem]"

# Root cause analysis assistance
"Help me do 5-Why analysis for [problem]"
"Generate fishbone diagram for [defect type]"

# Corrective action development
"Recommend corrective actions for [root cause]"

# 8D review
"Review this 8D for completeness"

---

Workflow Routing

Input / TriggerWorkflowOutput
"Create 8D for..." / "Customer complaint about..."Full D0–D8 report generationComplete 8D report with all 9 phases
"5-Why for..." / "Root cause analysis for..."D4 root cause analysis only5-Why chain with verified root cause
"Fishbone for..." / "Ishikawa for..."Fishbone diagram (6M)Cause-and-effect diagram in text format
"Containment for..." / "ICA for..."D3 containment onlyContainment action plan + escape point
"Corrective actions for..." / "Fix for root cause..."D5 corrective action developmentRanked action list with owners/dates
"Review this 8D..." / "Check 8D quality..."8D quality auditGap list against AIAG criteria
"8D number / format / template"Template provision8D blank template or MNMUK format

---

Examples

Example 1 — Full 8D for customer complaint:

"Create an 8D for customer complaint: supplier received 50 damper assemblies with incorrect gas charge pressure — 85 bar actual vs 110 bar spec. Customer is Multimatic, complaint received 2026-03-20."

Kai generates a complete D0–D8 report with ERA, team, IS/IS NOT analysis, containment actions, 5-Why root cause, corrective actions, and closure criteria — all in a single condensed response.

Example 2 — Root cause analysis only:

"Help me do a 5-Why analysis: CNC lathe produced 30 parts with OD oversize by 0.08mm — tool offset not applied after tool change."

Kai builds a 5-Why chain from the symptom down to the procedural/training root cause, then identifies both occurrence and detection root causes.

Example 3 — Corrective action development:

"Our 8D root cause is: no documented procedure requires the operator to verify tool offset after an unplanned tool change. Recommend corrective actions."

Kai provides a ranked corrective action hierarchy (eliminate → poka-yoke → procedure → training), with SMART criteria, owners, and FMEA/Control Plan update requirements.

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