BUY WITH CONFIDENCE
BENEFITS OF DOCUMENT
DESCRIPTION
The A3 provides a disciplined way of reporting on problems that encourages a disciplined way of solving problems.
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.
The A3 report can be used to propose solutions to problems, give status reports on ongoing projects, and report results of information gathering activity.
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.
While this system grew out of automotive manufacturing, it is proven to be broadly applicable to almost any management system.
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.
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This training package includes:
1. A3 Thinking PPT training presentation (PowerPoint format)
2. A3 Report Template (PowerPoint & Word formats)
3. A3 Report Poster (PDF format, in tones of light, dark, color and monochrome, printable in A3 size)
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction and Key Concepts of A3 Report
• 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
• Example of Proposal A3
• Key Points for A3 Report
2. A3 Problem Solving Report: Step-by-step
• A3 Report Steps
• 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
3. Form & Style
• Form & Style
• Adapt the A3 Report to Your Target Audience
• A3 Storytelling Tools
• Common Pitfalls in A3 Reports
• Summary
Got a question about the product? Email us at support@flevy.com or ask the author directly by using the "Ask the Author a Question" form. If you cannot view the preview above this document description, go here to view the large preview instead.
Source: Best Practices in A3 PowerPoint Slides: A3 Thinking (A3 Problem Solving) PowerPoint (PPTX) Presentation, Operational Excellence Consulting
OVERVIEW
(PPTX)
(ZIP)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Operational Excellence Consulting, founded in 2009 by Allan Ung, draws from extensive experience at Microsoft, IBM, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). With over three decades of expertise in strategy deployment, customer experience design, and operational excellence, our mission is clear: empowering global individuals and organizations through Design Thinking and Lean Methodologies. [read more]
Ask the Author a Question
This document is available as part of the following discounted bundle(s):
Save %!
A3 Problem Solving Toolkit
This bundle contains 2 total documents. See the additional documents to the right.
A3 Operational Excellence Lean Management/Enterprise Problem Solving Process Improvement Strategic Planning Porter's Five Forces PDCA Poka Yoke PowerPoint Diagrams Compilation Gemba Walk Continuous Improvement Industry Analysis Growth Strategy Strategy Development Kaizen Process Analysis Value Stream Mapping Strategy Deployment & Execution Hoshin Kanri Project Charter
![]() |
Receive our free presentation on Operational Excellence
This 50-slide presentation provides a high-level introduction to the 4 Building Blocks of Operational Excellence. Achieving OpEx requires the implementation of a Business Execution System that integrates these 4 building blocks. |