True or False: RCA should focus solely on the immediate causes of nonconformance.

The statement is false because Root Cause Analysis (RCA) goes beyond just identifying immediate causes of nonconformance. While it is essential to recognize the immediate factors that contribute to a problem, a comprehensive RCA seeks to uncover the underlying or systemic issues that may have led to those immediate causes. This deeper investigation aims to identify and address the root causes that, if left unexamined, could result in recurring nonconformance.

Focusing only on immediate causes would likely lead to temporary fixes or stop-gap solutions, leaving the organization vulnerable to the same issues arising again in the future. A robust RCA process includes analyzing processes, systems, and human factors, which contributes to a more effective and sustainable resolution of the issues at hand. Thus, a well-rounded RCA will provide insights that help prevent future occurrences, ensuring continuous improvement within the organization.