A3 Problem Solving Sheet (PDF)

A simple A3 problem Solving sheet working through the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle. This is also known as the Deming Cycle after W, Edwards Deming.

William Edwards Deming was an American engineer, statistician, professor, author, lecturer, and management consultant. He is famous for his legacy in opening the way for quality control by means of statistical methods in Japan.
The Japanese government showed its appreciation for this work by honouring him with an imperial award and, more important, establishing an award in his name.

The origin of A3 thinking is Toyota. They would conduct Problem Solving exercises using the biggest commonly available piece of paper – A3.

A3 thinking works logically through a process ands structure which prevents jumping forward to what we think we know.

The sheet provides prompts on both sides designed to move the user(s) in a logical direction and takes then through a 13 step process in as much detail as is needed to arrive at potential solutions, then to test, and iterate until a stable state is found.

A3 brings together many individual tools such as 5-Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone diagrams), cause and effect diagrams and brainstorming.

Personally, I have used this technique on large and small problems with great results, this is why i have developed my own version in order to help others and provide more depth and detail on how-to.

The A3 Problem Solving Sheet is meticulously designed to guide users through a comprehensive problem-solving journey, from hypothesis development to root cause analysis. It emphasizes breaking down complex issues into manageable components, ensuring a thorough understanding of the current situation and its consequences. The sheet incorporates essential tools like the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagrams to facilitate effective brainstorming of potential countermeasures. By following this structured approach, users can refine, stabilize, and standardize processes, ultimately leading to sustainable solutions and continuous improvement. This PDF is an invaluable asset for any executive aiming to drive efficiency and quality within their organization.