methodatlas
Operations

A3 Problem Solving

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result by defining the problem, capturing the current state, and defining follow-up actions.

Core question
Which root cause behind the problem can be shifted with a testable countermeasure so that the target state is demonstrably reached?
MediumWorkshop + async45-90 min
Open runsheetEstablish practiceStart comparison
Purpose

The method helps clarify workflows, data, causes, and improvements concretely. It identifies patterns, causes, bottlenecks, or constraints and derives actions. The outcome is captured as an A3 report, action plan, and root-cause analysis.

How it works

The team follows the steps: define the problem, capture the current state, analyze causes, choose countermeasures, and define follow-up. Each step is captured visibly. At the end, an A3 report, action plan, and root-cause analysis are available so decisions, tests, or actions can follow directly.

Visual orientation

Method sketch for a quick mental model.

A3 Problem Solving · A3 CanvasProblem, Ist-Zustand, Ursachen, Ziel, Maßnahmen und Follow-up auf einer Seite verbinden
A3 Problem Solving CanvasDie Skizze zeigt ein A3-Blatt mit Analysefeldern links und Umsetzungsfeldern rechts, verbunden durch eine PDCA-Leiste.A3 als einseitiges ProblemlösungsblattLinks verstehen, rechts gegensteuern und die Wirkung im Follow-up prüfen.ANALYSEUMSETZUNGProblemAbweichung klar beschreibenCurrent StateFakten, Daten, ProzessbildRoot CauseWarum-Kette oder FishboneTargetMessbares ZielbildGegenmaßnahmenMit Ursache verknüpfenAction PlanOwner, Termin, Status1Plan2Do3Check4Act

Flow

  1. 1Define the problem
  2. 2Capture the current state
  3. 3Analyze causes
  4. 4Choose countermeasures
  5. 5Define follow-up

The runsheet guides execution with 5 phases, timeboxes, 6 pitfalls, and clear stop criteria.

Open runsheet

Ideal for

  • Operational Issues
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Manager Coaching

Not good for

  • Trivial micro-issues
  • Open ideation

Deep dive

In detail

A3 Problem Solving follows a clear working logic: define the problem, capture the current state, analyze causes, choose countermeasures, and define follow-up. This turns the method into a visible thinking process rather than just a conversation. Participants move step by step from raw material, observations, or options toward a shared structure. As a result, an A3 report, action plan, and root-cause analysis are produced and ready to support decisions, learning, or further planning.

Facilitation

Prepare a clear guiding question, the right information, and a visible workspace. Plan about 45-90 min with 2-5 participants and use the format in a facilitated workshop or asynchronously. The implementation needs clear structure and preparation; short timeboxes, visible intermediate results, and a parking lot for open questions help.

Output artifacts
A3 ReportAction PlanRoot Cause Analysis
Tags
leanproblem-solvingcoachingoperations

Sources

A3 Problem-Solving - A Resource Guide | Lean Enterprise Institutelean.org
Artifact templates
A3 Problem Solving Working TemplateCompact working template for A3 Problem Solving with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
markdown

a3-problem-solving-working-template.md

Compact working template for A3 Problem Solving with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.

A3 Problem Solving Working Template

Goal

A one-page structured method for problem, analysis, countermeasures, and follow-up.

Context

When and for what do we use this method?

Input

Which data, observations, decisions, or materials are available?

Execution

Short notes along the runsheet.

Output artifacts

  • A3 Report:
  • Action Plan:
  • Root Cause Analysis:

Assumptions and open questions

  • ...

Decision / Next step

Owner, date, and success signal.

When to choose differently

Short decision aid for existing alternatives.

5 Whys

Statt A3 Problem Solving, wenn du schnell mehrere mögliche Ursachen aufreißen und das Team in eine erste Ursachekette bringen willst.

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Gemba Walk

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result by selecting a process, going to the place of work, and recording improvements.

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Process Mapping

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result by setting process boundaries, collecting steps, and deriving a target process.

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Fishbone Diagram

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result by defining the problem, choosing cause categories, and prioritizing likely causes.

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Kaizen Event

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result by clarifying scope and goal, observing the current process, and setting the new standard and follow-up.

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Waste Analysis

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result by clarifying the process and value definition, observing or mapping the flow, and deriving improvements.

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5 Whys

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result through defining the problem, asking why, and defining countermeasures.

Statt A3 Problem Solving, wenn du schnell mehrere mögliche Ursachen aufreißen und das Team in eine erste Ursachekette bringen willst.