Description
 

The A3 provides a disciplined way of reporting on problems that encourages a disciplined way of solving problems.

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Toyota's relentless dedication to continuous improvement is what gives them their greatest competitive advantage. To this end, the principle of PDCA: Plan Do, Check, Act is engrained throughout their corporate culture. Just as ingrained, and equally valuable, is the flexible, yet precise, reporting system, which is married to the process. All about efficiency, every report must be confined to one side of an A3 (11 x 17-inch) sheet of paper; hence the report is known as the A3.

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The A3 report can be used to propose solutions to problems, give status reports on ongoing projects, and report results of information gathering activity. 

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A3 is not about generating more paperwork, but it is all about creating a process and a mindset that are uncompromising in their dedication to improvement. Diligently applying the process, thinking, and tools described in this presentation will dramatically improve the effectiveness of those individuals involved, and when spread through an organization, will quickly result in a culture of genuine improvement. 

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While this system grew out of automotive manufacturing, it is proven to be broadly applicable to almost any management system.

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This A3 Thinking training guide emphasizes the discipline required to generate an A3 report. It covers everything needed to execute a rigorous reporting system. You will learn the step-by-step A3 problem solving process from problem identification to resolution in a fashion that fosters learning, collaboration, and personal development. The problem-solving team records the results of investigation and planning in a concise, two-page document (the A3 report) that facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration.

 

Note: This training presentation includes:

1. A3 Thinking PPT training presentation (PowerPoint format)

2. A3 Thinking report template (in PowerPoint and Word formats)

3. A3 Report poster (PDF format, in tones of light, dark, color and monochrome, printable in A3 size)

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Learning Objectives

 

1.  Acquire knowledge on the key concepts of A3 Report based on the A3 thinking process

2.  Gain detailed knowledge on the step by step approach to writing an A3 Report for Problem Solving 

3.  Gather useful practice tips on the appropriate form and style for A3 Reports

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Contents

 

1.  Introduction and Key Concepts of A3 Report

• Introduction

• Seven Elements of A3 Thinking

• Stages of Ability

• What is an A3 Report?

• Three Types of A3 Report

• A3 Thinking is Based on the PDCA Approach

• Typical Flow of a Problem-Solving A3

• Typical Flow of a Proposal A3

• Typical Flow of a Project Status Review A3

• Comparison of Different A3s

• When to Use a 50-Page Report

• When to Use an A3

• Example of Problem-Solving A3 Report

• Example of Proposal A3 Report

• Example of Status Review A3 Report

• Key Points for A3 Report

 

2.  A3 Problem Solving Report: Step-by-step

• A3 Report Steps

• What is a Problem?

• Problem Solving Funnel

• Problem Solving A3 Report Format

• Step 1: Theme

• Step 2: Background

• Step 3: Current State

• Step 4: Goal Statement

• Step 5: Root Cause Analysis

• Step 6: Countermeasures

• Step 7: Check Results

• Step 8: Follow Up

• Review Questions

 

3.  Form & Style

• Form & Style

• Adapt the A3 Report to Your Target Audience

• A3 Reviews at Toyota

• A3 Storytelling Tools

• Common Pitfalls in A3 Reports

• Summary

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You may also be interested in the following related documents (sold separately):

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1. Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

2. Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA)

3. 8D Problem Solving Process

4. PDCA Problem Solving Technique & Tools

5. Root Cause Analysis

6. Seven Basic Quality Tools

7. Seven Advanced Quality Tools

8. Reducing the Cost of Quality

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