Presented by Jess Orr in a webinar hosted by KaiNexus on 2/8/18. In this webinar, you will learn: Why and when to use the A3 / TBP problem-solving tool Overview of the 8 components of an A3 Example of how to build an actual A3 using an everyday example Recommended resources for further learning

1. “How to Use A3 Thinking in
Everyday Life”
Clint Corley
Enterprise Account Executive
Clint.Corley@KaiNexus.com
Jess Orr
Continuous Improvement Practitioner
jessorr11@gmail.com

2. Webinar Logistics
• Presentation (45 minutes)
• Q&A (10 minutes)
– Use the GoToWebinar
Meeting Panel to
submit a question at
any time
• Recording link & slides will be sent via email
– Also – see the “Handouts” feature and Chat box

3. Presenter Background
Jess Orr
• Founder of Yokoten Learning
(www.yokotenlearning.com)
• Continuous improvement practitioner with 10+ years
of industry experience, including Toyota
• Achieved TBP (Toyota Business Practices) certification
• Holds bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
from Virginia Tech
• Uses A3’s in many applications, from Hoshin strategy
to personal life

4. Learning Objectives
Conclusion
How YOU can apply A3 thinking Resources, Announcements, and Q&A
Example of a Real Life A3
“What We Have Here Is a Failure to Communicate!”
A3 Thinking: What and Why?
Benefits of the A3 approach A3 vs. other methods

5. A3 Thinking: What and Why?
A3 Thinking:
• A disciplined, proven problem-solving methodology
• ‘A3’ - size of the paper (~11”x 17”) used for visual
communication
• Derived from Toyota Business Practices (TBP)
Benefits:
• Promotes discipline through structured process
• Highly adaptable to many applications, from
manufacturing to software to healthcare
• Encourages collaboration and teamwork
• Enables effective, sustainable solutions

6. A3 vs. Other Problem-Solving Methods
All derived from the
Scientific Method:
Start with
a question
Form
hypothesis
Test
hypothesis
Draw
conclusion
KEY POINT: Approaches are complementary – no method ‘better’ than another
Low Medium High
Complexity of Problem

7. When Is A3 Problem-Solving Appropriate?
• Not all problems require A3’s!
• Requires method beyond basic problem solving tools
(i.e. “just-do-it”, short-cycle PDSA)
• Solution is not already known!
• Leadership support and sense of urgency
• Problem not highly complex and/or requiring complex
analysis – use DMAIC, etc.
• The problem to be solved should be
“as simple as possible, but no simpler.” (Einstein)
Hypothesis: If A3’s work well in industrial applications,
can we apply to an everyday life problem?

8. A3 “Story Board” – Visual Tool

9. High Level A3 Process
1. Define the Problem
2. Identify Current & Target
Condition
3. Analyze for Root Cause(s)
4. Experiment with Countermeasures
5. Evaluate Results
6. Sustain the Gains
7. Reflect on Process

10. • Use Voice of the Customer - Go-and-see!
• Identify the problem, not the solution!
• No-good problem statement: “Need to reduce our delayed shipments
through purchase of digital equipment
• Better: “6 month spike in customer complaints of late shipments and
rise in internal expedite shipping fees.”
Jess’ Problem
Statement:
“If I had an hour to solve a problem,
I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about
the problem and 5 minutes thinking
about solutions.” -Einstein

11. • If we cannot measure it, we
cannot be certain of
improvement
• Set realistic, time-oriented
target
• Seek quantitative data
where possible, but can use
qualitative if needed
• Ensure you can trust the
data!

12. • Brainstorm root causes with team – go deep!
• Ask “Why?” repeatedly to drill down to true root cause
• Prioritize root causes (frequency, impact, etc)

13. • Brainstorm and prioritize
countermeasures with team
• Assign actions and owners
• Be careful of changing too
much at once
• Evaluate initial results and
adjust as needed

14. • Measure results using same system as in step #2
• Use outcome to determine next steps – adjust as needed

15. • Monitor the results data-based results.
• Set trigger point for reevaluation – control charts helpful
• Follow up with PDSA cycles as needed

16. • Important for growth – what went well, what did not?
• Replication / standardization opportunities

17. Completed A3 ‘Story Board’

18. A3 Thinking: Do’s and Don’ts
• Remember – the right process will lead to the right results
• Seek deep understanding of the problem first
• Be a detective and let the facts guide you
• Sustain the gains!
• Think that A3 is a “one-size-fits-all” or focus solely on the tool
• Be a lone ranger – harness the power of a team
• Jump to the root cause or solution
• Skip a step – maintain discipline in the process
Do:
Don’t:

19. How You Can Apply A3 Thinking
1. Think of a chronic issue in your life –
relationships, health, productivity, etc.
2. Take time to deeply understand the
problem
3. Collaborate to brainstorm root causes and
prioritize
4. Identify potential countermeasures
5. Use the PDSA cycle to experiment, evaluate
and repeat
6. Sustain the gains!
7. Remember: “Progress over perfection”

20. Additional Resources
• Managing to Learn by John Shook
• Karen Martin’s A3 Webinars (www.karenmartingroup.com)
• The Toyota Engagement Equation by Tracy and Ernie Richardson
• For PDSA - Mark Graban’s Lean Blog (www.leanblog.com)
Connect with Jess:
• Website: www.yokotenlearning.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jessorr
• Email: jessorr11@gmail.com
• Gemba Academy interviews: www.gembaacademy.com/podcasts

21. Announcements
(Then Q&A)

22. Ask Us Anything!
• Mark Graban & Dr. Greg Jacobson
• Next Episode (#18) February 13, 1 pm ET
• Register & submit questions via
http://kainexus.com/webinars
• Past episodes available on YouTube

23. Our Next Webinars
• Register at www.KaiNexus.com/webinars
• February 19: "How a Lean Adoption Strategy
for Public Schools Applies to Everyone"
– Presented by Harry Kenworthy,
author of "Lean Government NOW!"

24. Other Resources
www.KaiNexus.com

25. KaiNexus Podcasts
• www.KaiNexus.com/podcasts
• Subscribe via:
– iTunes
– Google Play
– Stitcher

26. Q&A
• Web:
– www.kainexus.com
– blog.kainexus.com
– www.yokotenlearning.com
• Webinars on Demand:
– www.kainexus.com/webinars
• Social Media:
– www.twitter.com/kainexus
– www.linkedin.com/company/kainexus
– www.facebook.com/kainexus
Clint Corley
Enterprise Account Executive
Clint.Corley@KaiNexus.com
Jess Orr
Continuous Improvement Practitioner
jessorr11@gmail.com