What approach should a team use to solve non-conforming product problems?

Using root cause analysis is crucial when addressing non-conforming product problems because it focuses on identifying the fundamental causes of defects rather than just addressing the symptoms. By understanding the root causes, teams can implement more effective and long-lasting solutions, therefore preventing recurrence. This systematic approach involves examining processes, materials, and conditions that may have contributed to the non-conformance, ensuring that remedial actions are not just temporary fixes but rather fundamental improvements to the workflow or production methods.

In contrast, benchmarking, while valuable for understanding best practices and performance standards, does not directly address the specific issues related to non-conforming products. Brainstorming solutions is a creative process to generate ideas but may lead to superficial fixes if not paired with a thorough investigation of the underlying causes. Increasing inspection frequency can help catch defects more frequently, but it does not resolve the root problems that lead to non-conformance in the first place, potentially resulting in wasted resources and time without offering a sustainable solution.