A3

Description

An A3 presents the most important project information in an orderly manner on a sheet of paper. The A3 has a set structure in which the information is presented: Problem Statement, Current Situation, Goal, Analysis/Causes, Solutions, Plans and Follow-Up.

When

The A3 is drawn up at the beginning of a project and added to as the project progresses through the various phases of an improvement project.

Goals

An A3 assists in creating awareness, consensus and support. Its main purpose is to engage in dialogue with each other.

The information in an A3 is recorded in an orderly manner. This makes it easier to:

involving others;
create a dialogue;
developing problem solvers;
make the link between measures and countermeasures

Steps

In the A3, describe the following components:

The background to the problem.
Current situation: use graphics based on facts and data as much as possible.
The goal: what is the desired performance? Again, make this as concrete as possible.
The root cause of the problem. For this, use different methodologies such as data research or root cause analysis.
Removing root cause solutions.
The implementation plan: who, when, what?
When you are successful. What are you going to measure to determine the impact of the measures? How will you measure this and who will measure this?

Example template A3 form

Examples

Template A3 form (click <here> to download it)

Tips:

Tell the story from top left to bottom right so everyone understands.
Make the link between targets and measures.
The A3 is not a static document, changes and additions are welcome. On the contrary, it is meant to engage in conversation and test whether certain assumptions or images are correct.
Think and formulate SMART
Discuss the A3 regularly with your client and other stakeholders.