Toyota has designed a two-page mechanism for attacking problems. The A3’s constraints (just 2 pages) and its structure (specific categories, ordered in steps, adding up to a “story”) are the keys to the A3’s power. Though the A3 process can be used effectively both to solve problems and to plan initiatives, its greatest payoff may be how it fosters learning.

1. A3 Toyota’s way of solving problems and creating plans

5. 4. Analysis Last minute contest entry Competitor information Idea Schedule High quality ? One weekend time left World class mgmt consultants and designers entered No idea, slow reaction, late to market One month lost on holiday and business trip Cause A C B

6. 5. Proposed countermeasures Samuli Structured, simple and visual approach Mechanism of attacking problems and creating plans on one A3 sheet of paper A3, Toyota’s way of solving problems and creating plans C Samuli Keep it simple Implement lessons learned about presentations Match competitor quality B Samuli Source of inspiration and fresh thinking Encourage Wild Ideas. Build on the Ideas of Others. Stay Focused on the Topic Brainstorm ideas A Responsible Benefit Description Counter-measure Cause

9. Samuli Pahkala http:// managerstoolbox.blogspot.com /