What is another term for finding the cause of a machine malfunction?

Finding the cause of a machine malfunction is often referred to as "fault hunting." This term encapsulates the process of systematically searching for and identifying the specific issue or failure that is causing a machine to malfunction. It involves investigating the symptoms exhibited by the machinery, conducting tests, and analyzing various components to pinpoint the root cause of the problem.

In practice, fault hunting is critical for efficient troubleshooting and is typically a precursor to carrying out repairs. It emphasizes the investigative nature of diagnosing machine issues rather than simply addressing the symptoms or performing general inspections. The distinction is important; while other terms like "repairing" imply fixing the problem and "inspection" suggests a visual or operational examination, fault hunting focuses specifically on identifying what is wrong. This thorough approach ensures that once a problem is found, it can be addressed effectively, minimizing downtime and restoring functionality to the machine.