What really is the root cause?

We tend to act on a superficial understanding of the problem and create solutions for the effects we get from the problem than the root cause of the problem. This is hugely expensive. The same results of the problems revisit in no time.

A well-running paper manufacturing factory in a rural area ran into unexpected downtime. The reason? The paper sheets began to tear apart as the sheet traveled for the final paper rolling process. The factory supplies paper to the Print media and packaging industry.

The management team ordered a thorough investigation of the breakdown.

The investigation went something like this:

They asked why the sheets started to tear apart, and the answer was some water drops fell on the paper and softened, and the sheets began to break apart.

"Why did water drops fall on the paper?" 

"The water pipe beside the production line carrying paper had rusted."

"Why did the water pipe rust?" 

"Because the water pipe was old, it required maintenance by greasing the couplings that connected the pipes. Leakage happened in the joint."

"Why then was maintenance not done?" 

"Well, maintenance budget approval held up the maintenance vendor purchase order."

You get the point. What was the breakdown in the production process?

Water leakage...? Maintenance of water pipes?, Or overdue maintenance budget approval? It depends on whether you want a symptomatic cause or the root cause. There is no point in fixing the results of the problems.

Ditto for anything and everything we do.