A Structured Approach to Problem Solving

How AGCO Uses Lean Methods to Identify Root Cause and Prevent Recurring Issues

Many organizations jump straight to solutions when problems arise — only to see the same issues resurface again and again. The missing piece is often a disciplined, structured approach to problem solving that starts with facts, narrows scope deliberately, and leads to sustainable countermeasures.

In this on-demand KaiNexus webinar, Chad Westbrook, Manufacturing Engineering Manager and AGCO Production System Manager at AGCO, shares how his team applies a practical, repeatable problem-solving methodology in a complex manufacturing environment.

Rather than relying on containment or assumptions, Chad walks through a structured Lean approach that connects Gemba observation, clear problem definition, root cause analysis, and countermeasure design — with real-world examples from AGCO’s operations.

What You’ll Learn

• How to move beyond containment and quick fixes to true root cause problem solving

• How the 5G process and 5W1H work together to define problems clearly

• Why narrowing the problem scope is essential to effective analysis

• How Fishbone (4M/1D) and confirmation prevent false root causes

• How to apply the 5 Whys using evidence, not assumptions

• How to select countermeasures that prevent recurrence and sustain results

Key Insights

Effective problem solving doesn’t start with tools — it starts with discipline. This webinar shows why clearly defining the “phenomenon” before analysis dramatically improves outcomes and alignment across teams.

You’ll see how going to the Gemba and separating facts from assumptions prevents teams from solving the wrong problem. Chad also demonstrates why confirmation is a critical (and often skipped) step that ensures suspected causes actually drive the observed issue.

Most importantly, this session illustrates how structured problem solving builds organizational capability. When teams can tell a clear, evidence-based story from problem to root cause to countermeasure, learning spreads, improvements stick, and similar issues are prevented elsewhere in the organization.

Who This Webinar Is For

This webinar is ideal for:

• Continuous improvement and operational excellence leaders

• Manufacturing and industrial engineers

• Quality and reliability professionals

• Lean practitioners and problem-solving facilitators

• Leaders looking to standardize problem solving across teams

Whether you’re strengthening an existing Lean system or building problem-solving capability from the ground up, this session provides a practical model you can apply immediately.

Watch the Webinar On-Demand

Access the full recording to learn how AGCO applies a structured approach to problem solving — and how you can strengthen root cause analysis and countermeasures in your own organization.

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https://www.kainexus.com/webinars

About the Presenter:

Chad Westbrook

Chad Westbrook is a manufacturing engineering manager and AGCO Production System manager at AGCO Corporation. Chad has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies from Kansas State University.