LSKLean Starter Kit
Template 02

A3 problem solving template

Tell the whole story of a problem on one page. Type straight into the sheet. Tips guide each step. Print it on A3 for the wall, or download it as PowerPoint.

A3 ·
Owner
Team
Date
Plan

1Background

Why does this matter now? Link it to safety, quality, delivery, cost or people.
  • Who is affected, and how?
  • What happens if we do nothing?

2Current condition

Go and see. Describe what is really happening, with facts and data, not opinions.
  • What, where, when, how often, how much?
  • Sketch the process or add a simple chart.

3Goal / target

One clear, measurable target: what, how much, by when. The chart updates as you type.

4Root cause analysis

Ask “why?” until you reach a cause you can act on. Check each answer at the gemba. Blame the process, not people.
Do · Check · Act

5Countermeasures

For each root cause, what will we change? Prefer simple fixes that stop the cause coming back (error-proofing, standard work, visual controls).

6Implementation plan

Every action has one owner and a date. Review this list at the daily huddle.
WhatWhoWhenStatus

7Check results

Did we hit the target? Show before and after with the same measure. If not, go back to step 4.

8Follow-up / standardise

Make the new way the standard way. Update standard work and training. Share it with other areas. Note anything still open.

What is A3 problem solving?

An A3 is a one-page report, named after the A3 paper it fits on. It came from Toyota. It walks a problem through Plan, Do, Check and Act, so anyone can see the problem, the cause, the fix and the result at a glance. That makes it a core visual management tool.

Your work saves in this browser as you type. Use Save to keep a file or share it with your team.

How to use it

  1. Write steps 1–4 before you choose a fix.
  2. Go and see. Check the facts on the floor.
  3. Agree the plan in step 6 with the team.
  4. Fill in steps 7–8 when the results are in.
  5. Print it on A3 and put it on the team board.