A3 Practical Problem Solving Principle Document

A3 Practical Problem Solving
Principle Document
This document was compiled by Mark Radley of GENEO Consulting Limited
pg. 1
A3 Problem Solving
Context .............................................................................................................3
A3 Practical Problem Solving (PPS) .................................................................4
Goal ...........................................................................................................................................................................4
Purpose of A3 PPS ..............................................................................................................................................4
Bene4its ....................................................................................................................................................................4
Role of a leader ................................................................................................4
Process .............................................................................................................5
Eight Steps to A3 PPS ......................................................................................5
Initial Problem Perception ..............................................................................................................................6

Clarify the Problem ............................................................................................................................................6
Locate the Point of Cause ................................................................................................................................7
Containment ..........................................................................................................................................................7
Cause Analysis ......................................................................................................................................................7
Cause Investigation ............................................................................................................................................8
Countermeasures ................................................................................................................................................8
Share .........................................................................................................................................................................8
Contact Us ......................................................................................................10
pg. 2
Context
Problem Solving has four defence layers for protecting the margin and the
company’s reputation.
3Cs First Line of Defence- rapid problem solving at all levels of the
business. An agility to escalate the problem to the appropriate level but,
more importantly, a method for engaging all employees in problem solving.
A3 Practical Problem Solving (PPS) Second Line of Defence - a mentoring

and coaching approach to solving problems. A thinking way for leaders.
Storyboard Third Line of Defence - a method for dealing with cross

functional, complex problems
Six Sigma Fourth Line of Defence - a methodology for complex, chronic

problems
pg. 3
A3 Practical Problem Solving (PPS)
Goal
Everyone involved in problem solving using a standard method to embed the

thinking way.
Purpose of A3 PPS
A3 PPS serves the following purpose:
• Enable teams to work on and solve the root causes of problems

• Provide leaders with the opportunity to coach their teams in problem
solving
• Develop the thinking way in all team members
Benefits
• Practical form of mentorship and knowledge transfer for values, principles

and problem solving
• Common language for problem solving
• Sharing experience and countermeasures through PPS is rapid and
promotes best practice
Role of a leader
• Protect the margin through problem solving to root cause

• Develop and embed a culture of employee engagement and
empowerment
• Develop the PDCA thinking way in all employees
pg. 4
• Support the common language of A3 PPS problem solving
• Ensure the A3 PPS is functioning as part of the defined operating system
• Ensure the 5 Guiding Principles are demonstrated throughput each step
of the process
Process
A3 PPS enables problem solvers to capture all the relevant information on

one page. It is purposefully designed to ensure the approach is concise. If it
cannot be conveyed on
one page of A3 the
solution is likely to be
unclear.
The A3 document itself

is not the solution it is
the thinking way and
behavioural approach
for leaders in coaching
root cause problem
solving.
The A3 PPS is deployed when the direct cause is unclear or a repeat

concern has occurred with a 3C.
The A3 PPS follows the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) method.
Eight Steps to A3 PPS
1. Initial Problem Perception

2. Clarify the Problem
3. Locate the Point of Cause
4. Containment
5. Cause Analysis
6. Cause Investigation
7. Countermeasures
8. Share
pg. 5
Initial Problem Perception
A statement which
describes the impact
(specific and
quantifiable) on deviation
from a set target.
Clarify the Problem
Identify the main

contributing factor to the
deviation from target.
Check the existing

standard for what should
have happened. What is
the standard? Was it
followed? Is it adequate?
Agree the target

condition in relation to
the initial problem perception.
pg. 6
Locate the Point of Cause
Validation of where the

problem is occurring in
the sequence of the
process.
Go Look See
Containment
A temporary measure to
contain the problem at
source and stabilise the
process.
Maintain the flow of the

process and protect the
margin.
Cause Analysis
Potential direct causes

categorised and ranked.
Likely direct causes

identified
pg. 7
Cause Investigation
The direct cause is

identified and proven
with data and testing of
the hypothesis.
The root cause is

identified and validated
with data. Verified with 5
Why process and
validated and agreement
that the target set in Step
2 will be achieved.
Countermeasures
Countermeasures are
deployed - physical
changes (a permanent
fix) to the process.
This leads to the creation

of a new standard or the
modification of an
existing standard.
Share
Share the outcomes

across the organisation
where applicable.
Celebrate success with

the teams.
Review problem solving

capability in the team.
pg. 8
Lesson learned shared with the organisation.
Review the target is being achieved and countermeasures are effective. Is

the margin being protected?
pg. 9
Contact Us
This document was written by Mark Radley with the support of Chris Jones, Roger Bent,
Gary Sermon, Mike Slinger, Andrew Hemingway and Tim King.
For further details on how GENEO can support your organisation with Lean transformation,
please contact us on:
[email protected]
www.geneo.co.uk
Mark Radley - Director

[email protected]
m:+44(0)7753600158
Tim King - Director

[email protected]
m: +44(0)7810820414
GENEO Consulting Limited

7 the Parade
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV32 5SG
+44(0)1926423132
pg. 10

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A3 Practical Problem Solving

This document was compiled by Mark Radley of GENEO Consulting Limited

A3 Practical Problem Solving (PPS) .................................................................4

Eight Steps to A3 PPS ......................................................................................5

Initial Problem Perception ..............................................................................................................................6

A3 Practical Problem Solving (PPS) Second Line of Defence - a mentoring

Storyboard Third Line of Defence - a method for dealing with cross

Six Sigma Fourth Line of Defence - a methodology for complex, chronic

Everyone involved in problem solving using a standard method to embed the

A3 PPS serves the following purpose:

• Enable teams to work on and solve the root causes of problems

• Practical form of mentorship and knowledge transfer for values, principles

• Protect the margin through problem solving to root cause

A3 PPS enables problem solvers to capture all the relevant information on

The A3 document itself

The A3 PPS is deployed when the direct cause is unclear or a repeat

The A3 PPS follows the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) method.

Eight Steps to A3 PPS

1. Initial Problem Perception

Clarify the Problem

Identify the main

Check the existing

Agree the target

Validation of where the

Maintain the ﬂow of the

Potential direct causes

Likely direct causes

The direct cause is

The root cause is

This leads to the creation

Share the outcomes

Celebrate success with

Review problem solving

Review the target is being achieved and countermeasures are effective. Is

Mark Radley - Director

Tim King - Director

GENEO Consulting Limited

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