A3 problem solving explained

A3 problem solving is a structured problem-solving and continuous-improvement approach, first employed at Toyota and typically used by lean manufacturing practitioners.^[1] It provides a simple and strict procedure that guides problem solving by workers. The approach typically uses a single sheet of ISO A3-size paper, which is the source of its name. More contemporary versions include the Systems-oriented A3 (or S-A3) ^[1]

See also

• Analytical quality control
• Corrective and preventative action (CAPA)
• Eight Disciplines Problem Solving
• First article inspection (FAI)
• Ishikawa diagram
• Plan–do–check–act
  • Root cause analysis
• Quality assurance
• Quality management framework
• Value stream mapping

References

• Book: Shook, John . October 2008 . Managing to learn: using the A3 management process to solve problems, gain agreement, mentor and lead . Cambridge, MA . Lean Enterprise Institute . 9781934109205 . 276865965 .
• Book: Sobek . Durward K. . Smalley . Art . 2008 . Understanding A3 thinking: a critical component of Toyota's PDCA management system . A Productivity Press book . Boca Raton, FL . CRC Press/Productivity Press . 9781563273605 . 183609519 .
• Book: Matthews, Daniel D. . 2011 . The A3 workbook: unlock your problem-solving mind . A Productivity Press book . New York . CRC Press/Productivity Press . 9781439834893 . 462926456 .

Notes and References

1. ;