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RCA levels: Level 1 vs Level 2
When you create a new RCA, the first thing you choose is its level. The level sets how much detail you capture and whether the analysis goes through a formal approval chain. The choice is driven by the complexity of the failure you're investigating — the New RCA screen shows a short description of each to help you decide.
Which level to choose
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple root cause analysis — nuisance and simple repetitive failures | Complex root cause analysis — in-depth investigation into serious failures |
| Who does it | Typically one person | A team |
| Approval chain | None — the owner completes it directly | Full multi-role review and approval |
| Data captured | Basic (site, asset, work order, problem) | Full incident details, personnel, project value |
You pick the level once, when you create the RCA. Choose Level 1 for quick, straightforward issues and Level 2 when the failure is serious enough to need a team and formal sign-off.
Level 1 — quick analysis
A Level 1 RCA is a fast, lightweight investigation:
- You fill a single short form (site, asset number, work order number, owner, supervisor, and a problem description).
- You run the 5-Why investigation and record a root cause.
- You add at least one corrective action item.
- The owner completes the RCA directly — there is no approval chain.
Level 1 is the right choice for everyday, repetitive, or low-impact failures where a full team investigation would be overkill.
Level 2 — full analysis
A Level 2 RCA is a comprehensive, team-based investigation with a formal approval workflow:
- You complete a 3-step wizard — Site Info, Incident Info (date/time, trigger, abnormal conditions, immediate corrective action), and Personnel (owner, team members, and the approver roles).
- You run the 5-Why investigation, record a root cause, write a proposed-solution summary, and record the project value.
- You add corrective action items and supporting documents.
- You submit for review, and the RCA moves through the approval chain: Initial Review → Formal Approval → Corrective Actions → Final Review → Completed.
Level 2 is the right choice for serious failures that need a team, richer data capture, and sign-off from the approver roles.
What's next
- Create a Level 1 RCA — the quick single-form path.
- Create a Level 2 RCA — the full 3-step wizard.
