This page is designed for people who:

• Downloaded a free 30 day demonstration copy of the RealityCharting® software
  (you can download  a free demo at www.world-interplay.com/rc , choose option 3)

• Had the software installed in preparation for an upcoming class, and want to try it out

• Have recently taken the class and want more practice

• Took the class a while back and would like a quick refresher

• Purchased a copy of the software and perhaps may get certification training at a later date.

Concept for this page

I am a certified instructor for RealityCharting/Apollo Root Cause Analysis.    I am also working closely with Dean Gano, the creator of RealityCharting®/Apollo RCA to continually develop new and better ways to train this material.   The page you are about to read is a concept we are developing to help rapidly ramp up new users knowledge and skills.  Comments are invited and you can send them to me at larry.reising@world-interplay.com.  If this page wets your appetite for more learning, please contact me to discuss training options.  The standard certification course is only one day, is quite reasonably priced, and comes with a copy of the RealityCharting® software.

Here are 3 easy steps to get you started with RealityCharting®

1.  Learn the underlying methodology and principles behind RealityCharting®

RealityCharting® is based on the Apollo Root Cause Analysis methodology and is a powerful tool to help you solve problems.   To get the most out of the software, it's important to understand the underlying methodology and principles behind this powerful methodology.  Here are some resources that can provide you with a quick introduction:

• Nice video that introduces RealityCharting here:  www.realitycharting.com   There are many other articles and resources at RealityCharting.com.  Take a look around and then come back.  I'll list a few items below that are good, quick reads

• Overview of Apollo RCA here:  http://www.realitycharting.com/apollo-rca/apollo-method

• History of Apollo RCA here:  http://www.realitycharting.com/apollo-rca/history

• Summary of Gano's cause and effect principles here: http://www.realitycharting.com/_public/site/files/pdf/CE-Principle.pdf

• Paper showing how Root Cause Analysis can be utilized alongside quantitative methods:  http://www.realitycharting.com/_public/site/files/pdf/RCA-and-Quantitative-Methods.pdf

• If you haven't already done this, consider purchasing Dean Gano's book, Apollo Root Cause Analysis, which can be bought here:  http://www.realitycharting.com/realitycharting/purchase

• If you would like to buy several copies of Dean's book, World Interplay can provide quantity discounts.  Contact larry.reising@world-interplay.com for details.

2.  Get acquainted with RealityCharting® using the help videos

You will discover it's a highly intuitive piece of software with some great help videos.  The first thing you should do is watch the getting started video.  This can be found in the start up screen (button titled "Fast Start Tutorial") and under the menu item help-opening screen.

Fast Start Tutorial in Start up screen

Fast start tutorial in help menu items

After you watch the fast start tutorial, watch some of the other help videos listed under help - RealityCharting Help.   You must be connected to the internet to watch these videos.  Consider watching these help videos to help you get started:

• Wizard

• Tool bar

• Problem Definition

• Node menu

• Editing Causes

• Chart Navigation

• Multiple Realitycharts

3.  Try to build your first Realitychart

1. Watch this video  (requires Windows media player)
    

2. Now, start RealityCharting and create a new file.  Use this as your problem definition:
   What:  Lamp turned on
   When:  Now
   Where: Larry's room
   Significance:  Illuminating!
    

3. After you enter something in the what, when, where and significance fields, the wizard shows you as good to go to Create a Chart.
    

4. See if you can find at least one action cause and at least one condition cause and add these to your Realitychart.  Remember to use the node menu to add new causes.
    

5. OK, now open this file and to see how I charted it.  Remember, there is no "correct" answer as people see and describe things differently.
    

6. Now, go ahead and add evidence and reasons for stopping.  After you do this, look at this file so see how I completed it.

Summary

This is a simple example to get you started, and has demonstrated some of the basic features of RealityCharting.

In my one day certification classes, I teach you how to analyze much more complex situations and use what you discover in the Realitycharts (causes) to find effective solutions.  The class is approximately 90% hands on and involves numerous exercises to build your knowledge and skills.  You will be very good at using RealityCharting® by the end of class.  If you are interested in training, please contact me.

I will be adding 1-2 more examples to this page, depending on the amount of feedback I get.  Thank you for your time.

Larry Reising, Certified Instructor, RealityCharting/Apollo RCA, Larry.Reising@world-interplay.com