This document provides guidance for using the A3 problem solving methodology. It outlines the key sections of an A3 report, including: (1) clarifying the problem; (2) breaking down the problem; (3) setting targets; (4) analyzing root causes; (5) developing countermeasures and a plan; (6) monitoring and reviewing progress; and (7) standardizing and sharing lessons learned. The document emphasizes thoroughly investigating the problem, asking why it occurs, prioritizing issues, developing countermeasures, and periodically updating the report to track results.

1. Dated
0. Background
1. Clarify the Problem
Current Situation
In contrast to the ideal situation,
what is the current situation?
Problem Solving Report
One line description to inform what this A3 is about.
2. Break Down the Problem
Ideal Situation
If everything is resolved, what is
the ideal situation?
Ultimate Goal – State your goal. What are you seeking to achieve?
Visualizing
· Set an achievable target that will be realized by solving the prioritized problems.
· How much, and by when? Are we contributing to the ultimate goal?
3. Target Setting
Problem
Problem
Why? Root CauseWhy? Why? Why?Why?
Ask Why
Ask Why
Again
1.1 1.2 1.3
4. Root Cause Analysis
Signed
Role Role Role
Dated
Signed
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Signed
Prepared by: Nigel Thurlow
Department:
Dated:
B
A
This is the real
root cause!
Ask Why
Ask Why
Again
2.1 2.2
Ask Why
Again
This is the real
root cause!
Ask Why
Again
1
2
5. Countermeasures & Plan
6. Monitor and Review
7. Standardise & Yokoten 8. Further Actions
1
1
1
2
2
2
Cause
C/M
Countermeasure
Effect
Practical
Cost
Business
Impact
Time
Priority
Comments
Assess measures to solve problems D O O D O 1 Prioritize your countermeasures
Make a list and evaluate them for effectiveness D O D O O 3 Do them in that order!
Remember 80%Benefit for 20%Effort C O O C D 5 Stay focussed on the outcome
You can't solve everything! O D C O D 6
Your countermeasure goes here O D O C D 2
Your countermeasure goes here O O O O D 4
A
B
C
D
E
F
· Explain your planning method and
approach.
· State key actions that will be done.
· State key activities that will take
place.
Method
1. Explain here how you will ‘Check’ that you plan has
been followed, and how you will ‘Check’ that the
‘Countermeasures’ are successful.
2. Described any governance you have put in place to
ensure this approach is successful.
How to ensure countermeasures followed and are successful?
Results So far
Suggest further improvements or activities that should be considered
following this activity.
How can we reuse this process improvement?
How can we share across the organization?
· Insert a small picture and give a bullet point description of the background to this problem.
· What does it concern.
· What is it about.
· This is juts some high level text to inform the reviewer the purpose of this A3.
GAP
· First, consider your Ultimate Goal of your responsibilities at
work.
· Then grasp the Current Situation of the work. Question if
the current situation is contributing to the ultimate goal.
· After fully understanding the Ultimate Goal and Current
Situation, clarify the Ideal Situation, which is how the
Current Situation should be. Now compare the two in order
to visualize the Gap. This will make the problem clear.
· Draw a picture!
Problem
Problem
Point of Cause
Problem
Our Clarified Problem
P
R
O
B
L
E
M
· Seek the Points of Cause. What are the things creating the
problem. This is NOT the root cause.
· e.g. A computer system is running slowly. Rebooting it
solves the problem. This is not the root cause!
· Break Down a large and vague problem, and sort it into
smaller and more concrete problems which you can tackle
directly. By breaking down the problem sufficiently, your
search for the root causes will be more effective.
Point of Cause
Point of Cause
Point of Cause
Point of Cause
Point of Cause
Point of Cause
Our Clarified
Problem
P
R
O
B
L
E
M
What? Who?
Where? When?
· Ask What is causing the problem?
· Ask Where it is occurring?
· Ask Who is impacted or involved?
· Ask When it occurs?
Remember – When prioritizing Problems aim for 80% Benefit from 20% Effort
Break Down Prioritize
Problem
Problem
Prioritized Problems
B
A
· In order to clarify the Root Cause, thoroughly investigate the process involved.
· Think of all the possible causes without prejudice, and based solely on the facts!
· Go to Gember. Practice Genchi Genbutsu, and see for yourself. Keep asking why!
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Workstream
Workstream
Workstream
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Workstream
Workstream
A
B
C
D
E
F
PLAN
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· This is a living document and should be updated periodically, and when
activities are completed. Visualize your results!
· Plot your results so reviewers know how you are doing, or have done!