Smarter Problem Solving Starts Here: Try CEDAC with Your Team
Struggling with a tough business problem? You’re not alone—and the good news is, there’s a simple, team-friendly tool that can help you crack it. Meet CEDAC: the Cause and Effect Diagram with the Addition of Cards—a powerful yet practical upgrade to the traditional fishbone diagram.
What is CEDAC, and Why Does It Matter?
CEDAC builds on the classic Ishikawa (or fishbone) diagram by adding interactive elements—cards or sticky notes—that allow your team to map not just causes of problems, but ideas and potential solutions too. It’s a hands-on, visual way to make problem-solving more inclusive, collaborative, and productive.
How It Works
Here’s how you can apply CEDAC in your next team meeting:
- Draw a fishbone diagram with your core issue at the "head."
- Label six “bones” with categories such as:
- Materials
- Equipment
- People
- Method
- Environment
- Process
(Use the acronym MEPMEP to remember them!)
3. Get your team involved. Everyone adds cards or sticky notes with possible causes, ideas, or fixes to the relevant bones.
4. Vote to prioritise. Each team member selects their top issues, helping the group focus on what matters most.
5. Take action. Use the insights to develop targeted improvement plans—and revisit the board as new ideas arise.
Why Teams Love CEDAC
CEDAC’s strength is in its simplicity and inclusiveness. It:
- Encourages full team participation
- Brings structure to brainstorming
- Keeps problem-solving visible, flexible, and actionable
- Works brilliantly across a range of challenges—from process issues and waste to quality control and team performance
Real-World Success
Organisations around the world use CEDAC to achieve measurable improvements—reducing errors, streamlining workflows, boosting customer satisfaction, and more. It’s especially effective when you need to harness the knowledge and creativity of your frontline team.
A Final Thought
If you’re looking for a smarter, more engaging way to drive continuous improvement, give CEDAC a try. It’s quick to learn, energises your team, and delivers practical results—one card at a time. Contact us for a template to use.
Why not introduce it at your next team session? You might be surprised by the breakthrough ideas that emerge.
Need Help with your Business, Bookkeeping, Tax or SMSF requirements?
If you would like a little help, please get in touch with us for assistance. We can help with your business, bookkeeping, tax and SMSF requirements. Is your business as profitable and efficient as it could be? Take 5 minutes to complete this free survey and uncover your top 3 strengths and top 3 improvement opportunities across 10 key business drivers. You’ll also see how your performance stacks up against global benchmarks. Start now to pinpoint where to focus for better results here.
Please also note that many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us for assistance with your SMSF, business, bookkeeping and tax requirements. All rights reserved. Based on content from Mindshop, a trusted resource for business advisors worldwide. Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
