– Describes the object with the defect
– Describes a specific, observable phenomenon/defect at the point of cause
– Cannot be confused with another area/issue
– Focuses/narrows troubleshooting efforts
– May take several iterations to get to
– Is developed on the floor, observing the phenomena that is causing the loss
– Follows the defect that is causing the loss back to the point of cause (where the defect is initially being “made”)