A3 PROBLEM SOLVING TOOL

Sometimes problem solving become a giant issue for the companies. Structured problem solving approach becomes harder than simple approaches. Here we have a problem solving tool called A3 PROBLEM SOLVING TOOL which is much easier than other tools. A3 problem solving tool was initiated by Toyota Production System. It is very  a continuous process to carry out improvements in operational system in a structured way. A3 problem solving tool also promotes cooperation and development of employees. Identification of problem and planning are easily represented on concise  A3  report.

A SIMPLE STORY CAN TELL SIMPLY WHY TO USE A3 PROBLEM SOLVING TOOL

The  story is about a tailor who was very famous in his area. People likes his work and many comes to him to get their clothes stitched.  Every  Christmas he gets overloaded and starts cursing his work and remains tensed for the dates given to customers. Once a lady asked “Why are you so tensed?” He answered I have so much of work pending and dates are near” Then the lady answered back “ It is not possible to work alone with so many dresses to stitch , you have to  heir someone to help you “. Now here what we can understand is the money that the tailor will invest in for a helper will save his time and increased efficiency will be the result. Same way Most companies superficially attack each problem but instead it is necessary to understand that taking time to stop and go through a structured, logical way of addressing it and putting it to bed, means that the problem won’t come back…

WANT TO KNOW WHERE THIS NAME IS DERIVED FROM…….VERY SIMPLE….. The name says it all….The name of the A3 problem solving is derived from this paper format as the problem identification and the planning are represented in a concise A3 report.

NOW LET US EXACTLY UNDERSTAND WHAT  EXACTLY IS A3 PROBLEM SOLVING

• A3 problem solving is a standard way of presenting problems and resolutions.
• It provides a standard framework to present problem solving, projects, and status reviews.
• It is very  a continuous process to carry out improvements in operational system in a structured way.

KNOW WHY A3 PROBLEM SOLVING TOOL IS A BOON

• A3 problem solving’s power is that in one A3 size piece of paper.
• Each presented information is in a standard way.
• It provides a clear presentation of the facts
• It’s an objective view of the data at hand
• It provides a specific and rational conclusion
• Short and long term plans can be understood well.
• Underlying causes can be eliminated.
• Detailed problem resolution can be extracted.

WONDERING HOW TO BEGIN…HERE ARE THE STEPS OF A3 PROBLEM SOLVING TOOL

Step 0. Identify a problem or need

• First of all recognize and identify the problems faced
• List them out with the help of team members

Example: Structural late deliveries to customers.

Step 1. Understand current position

• Here proper understanding of the problem can be got by understanding the cutrrent situation.
• It is important to know the extent of the problem..

Example: What percentage of the deliveries are late?

Step 2. Target

• A new target can be formed by drawing countermeasures.
• The A3 problem solving tool team needs to discuss the improvements that are very much expected.By drawing up countermeasures a new target will be formulated.

Example: Because of the new form of communication, the status of the delivery will be clear to the customer and the company.

Step 3. Root Cause Analysis

• Root cause analysis has to be performed to find out the cause of the problem.

Example: Why are deliveries late? Why this percentage? Why are customers not informed?

Step 4. Countermeasures

• The causes of the problem can be properly addressed by applying countermeasures.
• By using countermeasures structural changes are made in preocess and it will become more efficient.
• The team ‘s purpose here should be detailing of countermeasures.

Example: the analysis in Step 2 has appointed ‘Poor communication to customers’ as the main cause.

Step 5. Implementation plan

• Implementation plan needs to be worked out on the basis of target set.
• the plan then needs to be executed which certainly includes action list, responsible participants, expenses and resources.

Example: The number of complaints must be decreased by 70% within three months.

Step 6. Follow-up plan

• The follow-up plan allows the proper flow of execution plan.
• The needed changes and adjustments are also considered.

Example: by carrying out spot checks, it will become clear whether the deliveries have improved.

Step 7. Involve affected parties

• It is very important to discuss the problems, plans and target with the affected parties.
• A proper agreement should be prepared to make this stage refined.

Step 8. Approval

• The team must take approval from an authority within the organization.
• The approval can be taken from the team leader.

Step 9. Implementation

• In this stage radical change is not be possible.
• here the the team has to fianlly map out the execution, target, actions and deadlines.

Step 10. Evaluation

• To check out whether the results have been achieved , it is very important to evaluate which is the last step of the process.
• There are chances of different results, in that case some changes are need to be planned all again and there is possibility to adapt certain things to achieve the goal.

After all the steps, another problem can be identified, as a result of which the whole cycle of the A3 problem solving begins again.The people involved will have a better understanding of the working method and the problem analysis and problem resolution will have more structure. Attend Greendot Management Solution A3 Traning.