What factors are causing the increased error rate in Assent Compliance's Restricted Substances List (RSL) screening tool over the last two weeks?

Introduction

The increased error rate in Assent Compliance's Restricted Substances List (RSL) screening tool over the last two weeks is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. To address this problem, I'll employ a systematic approach to identify, validate, and resolve the root cause while considering both short-term fixes and long-term implications.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might have been a recent update. Has there been any software release or system change in the past month?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance issues. Expected answer: Yes, a minor update was pushed two weeks ago. Impact on approach: If confirmed, I'd focus on regression testing and code review.

• Considering user segments, I'm curious about the distribution of errors. Are we seeing this increased error rate across all user types or is it concentrated in specific segments?

Why it matters: Helps narrow down if it's a universal issue or specific to certain users. Expected answer: The error rate increase is more pronounced for enterprise users. Impact on approach: I'd prioritize investigating enterprise-specific features or data sets.

• Regarding performance metrics, has there been any change in the volume of RSL screenings being performed?

Why it matters: A sudden increase in usage could strain the system. Expected answer: Usage has remained relatively stable. Impact on approach: If stable, I'd focus more on internal system issues rather than capacity problems.

• Thinking about data integrity, have there been any changes to the RSL database or how it's updated?

Why it matters: Outdated or corrupted data could lead to increased errors. Expected answer: The database is updated weekly, with no reported issues. Impact on approach: If confirmed, I'd investigate the data pipeline and update process.