Solving Problems using an A3
An “A3” is an international size piece of paper, approximately 11-by-17 inches. Using an A3 is an effective way to present a situation – a story that anyone can understand – all on one page.
It is a visual tool for problem-solving because it presents all of the main elements in a condensed space, allowing for on-the-spot review. It is a powerful management process encouraging learning through a scientific approach to problem solving. It includes a description of the current conditions, goals, analysis, and an action plan for implementing solutions.
There is no standard format for an A3. Each A3 suits the situation. At the end of this blog, a detailed example is provided that you can use and modify to suit your organization's situation.
Regardless of format, A3’s answer the same basic questions:
What is the problem or issue?
Who owns the problem?
What is/are the root cause(s) of the problem?
What are some possible countermeasures?
How will you decide which countermeasures to propose?
How will you get agreement from everyone concerned?
What is your implementation plan – who, what, when, where, how?
How will you know if your countermeasures work?
What follow-up issues can you anticipate? What problems may occur during implementation?
How will you capture and share the learning?
The key to using the A3 and, in fact, to any approach in problem solving is defining the problem. As Charles F. Kettering, inventor, said: “A problem well stated is a problem half-solved.” Too many times, people start “fixing” symptoms of problems rather than the actual problem. This never achieves the desired long-term results.
In its simplest form, a problem is a barrier that prevents the organization from achieving its goals. A problem may also involve the design or performance of work.
The gap between the existing and desired condition is the problem. Achieving performance improvement occurs through understanding of the gap.
At its core, an A3 template helps solve problems by describing the following:
Background or context of the problem
Current conditions including facts and data about the problem
Goal that the organization wishes to achieve in addressing the problem
Analysis of the problem to describe why the problem exists
Recommendations for how to address the problem
Plan for implementing the recommendations
Follow-up after implementation to ensure continuous improvement
The A3 is also useful for describing action items – a condensed project charter for each item covering one or two 11-by-17 inch sheets instead of multiple letter-sized typed pages.
Once you start using the A3 format to assess your organization’s problem areas, there’s a good chance that you will never go back to using traditional methods.
A3
