Horizontal deployment is the systematic application of the root cause identified in a problem, and the solution implemented, to other products, lines, facilities or processes carrying the same risk.
Most problem-solving efforts are closed without this step being completed. The result is that the same problem reappears a few months later on another line or in another product.
Effective horizontal deployment requires defining similarity criteria, assigning responsibility for screening and recording the findings. The output is the concrete form of organizational learning.
Related terms: Root Cause · Corrective Action · Lessons Learned
Related training: Structured Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis