Traditional Problem Solving
Ready
Fire
Aim
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Current Situation: Trial and Error
Problem Solving
Problem arises.
Jump to a solution before the cause of the problem is
identified.
No time is spent assessing the solution to see if it fixes
the problem.
This solution might actually cause another problem.
Firefighting as a last resort not the goal—back to not avoiding
problems, make them visible.
How you take past problems and prevent them from happening
again. Error-proofing
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What is an A3?
Very simply….a piece of paper that is 11” in height and 17” in width
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4 Steps of A3 Thinking: The Simple A3
1. What is the problem or gap? 2. What causes are preventing us from
(What are we trying to improve?) meeting our target(s)? What are the
“root” causes?
4. Which actions will address the 3. Based on data, what are the
most important causes? causes in order of importance?
Goal Actions By When/
(Cause) By Who
8/09/2022 OM
4 Steps of A3 Thinking: The Simple A3
1. What is the problem or gap? 2. What causes are preventing us from meeting
(What are we trying to improve?) our target(s)? What are the “root” causes?
Cause
Gap Cause
Target
Cause
Effect/Problem
Current Cause
Cause
Performance
Cause
4. Which actions will address the 3. Based on data, what are the
most important causes? causes in order of importance?
Goals By Who &
Actions
(Cause) When
Cause #1 Cause #2 Cause #3 Cause #4
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What is an A3?
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Why Use an A3?
• Creating the A3 encourages systematic problem
solving and a standardized method of
communication
• Presenting the A3 fosters consensus to move
forward
• Discussing the A3 fosters critical analytic skills,
communication, respect
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When to use an A3?
Determining when to use an A3 can be as simple as asking the
following questions:
• Is the situation difficult enough to warrant using the A3 to provide
structure?
• Will there be ongoing discussion for some time so the report has
communication value?
• Is there a good reason to document and capture the knowledge in some
fashion?
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A3 Template
Sponsor:
Participants:
Title Start Date:
Revised Date
Issue/Problem Statement: Future State and Counter Measures:
Background and Importance:
Implementation Plan:
Goals/Dashboard Metrics:
Follow Up:
Problem Analysis:
Sustain Results:
Date Revised:
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What Type of Information is Included in an A3?
Top of the A3 Chart
• Accountability
– Who is responsible for the project?
– Sponsors, Team Leaders
• Project Title
– Brief description of the project
• Project Team
– All people involved in the development and completion of the project
• Draft Status
– Date and version
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What Type of Information is Included in an A3? Left Side
• The left side contains information and discoveries about the current
state
– Issue (the problem)
• Objective description with data
• Stated through the customer
– Background
• History
• Significance (how does this fit within the organizational goals?)
– Baseline
• Simple graphic of current state
– Requires observation
– Includes major pain points (problem areas within the process)
– Goals / Dashboard Metrics
• Data that will be measured to provide evidence of success
– Problem Analysis
• Identifies the root cause of current state problems
– The 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto, etc.
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What Type of Information is Included in an A3? Right Side
• The right side develops the vision and action plan for the goal
– Future State
• The ideal state you want to achieve
– Countermeasures
• What you will need to change to get from current state to the desired
future state
– Implementation Plan
• How the countermeasures will be achieved
• Show who, what, when and outcome (accountability)
– Follow-Up
• What will be done to ensure the project is maintained
– Sustain Results
• The measured outcome or ongoing measurement of the project’s impact
– Often the direct measure of the problem
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How Do You Create an A3?
1. Identify a project or problem
– Write a description
• Be objective – customer focus
• Maintain a limited scope
– Learn the significance or history
• Interview, study, read, etc.
2. Observe and draw workflows (process flows)’
– Gemba
– Interview staff
– Map the process from A-Z (butcher paper)
– Identify problem(s) within the process
– Confirm findings with frontline staff
3. Measure the current state
– Collect data
• Manual (i.e. Paper surveys, counts)
• Database (i.e. EMR)
– Upstream vs. Downstream
– Validate data with frontline staff
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How Do You Create an A3?
(Continued)
4. Set goal(s) around measurements
– Consider what is ideal
– Consider what is possible
– Engage / speak with front line staff
– Be SMART
• S = Specific
• M = Measureable
• A = Attainable
• R = Realistic
• T = Timely
5. Analyze the problem and identify root causes
– Interview stakeholders (ask the 5 Whys)
– Use measurements to identify biggest problem (Pareto)
6. Identify the future state and countermeasures
– Describe/envision the ideal state of the process
– Brainstorm solutions to root causes
– Select countermeasures and list in A3
– Draw a simple future state diagram
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How Do You Create an A3?
(Continued)
7. Determine how countermeasures will be implemented
– Identify stakeholders (all persons affected by the changes)
– Ensure the right people are involved/aware
– Consider communications
– Set timelines for achieving steps/countermeasures
8. Determine the follow-up plan
– Identify how you will maintain the intervention
• How will the intervention be “hard-wired”/
• What is the visibility plan?
– Consider future actions required to improve he outcome
9. Monitor results
– Allocate time for measuring results after implementation
– Measure and analyze results
– Report results
10. Continuously review the A3
– Does the story flow well?
– Is it easy to understand?
– Is the report neat/organized?
– Revise…
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Benefits of Using an A3
• A3s offer a simple & structured approach to reporting solutions to
problems
• Helps define a standard for all of the organization to use
• Provides a clear and concise method of reporting information
• Content can be made visible and accessible to all
• Promotes communication and teamwork
• Leads to reduction of waste and improved processes
• Supports continuous improvement
A picture is worth a thousand words…
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EXERCISE 2 - Creating an A3
• Think about a problem you’d like to solve
“back home”
• Use the A3 Template Hand Out :
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Visibility Wall Examples
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