58 I ICT TODAY
Root cause analysis (RCA) is the methodology for exploring and problem solving network downtime or any adverse
events to evaluate and remedy the cause of the fault or issue. The goal of an RCA is to look at the underlying cause
of a problem to stop it from happening again. As the complexity of smart building technologies (e.g., integrated
systems, personnel, supporters, vendors, and the interoperability between them) grows, it becomes increasingly
important to have well defined methods to troubleshoot and solve the complex problems that can and will arise.
Many industries use the RCA methodology for problems anywhere in their organizations, and ICT professionals
may inevitably be placed on an RCA team. The premise is that if RCA teams dig deep enough, they can determine
the root: a single act that created the problem.
MAKING A SUCCESS OF ROOT
CAUSE ANALYSIS FOR SMART
BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES
By Carrie Goetz, RCDD, NTS, CDCP, CNID, PSP, AWS CCP
