PDCA-A3 Lean Problem Solving

Problem Solving is the foundation of the Lean office. Continually improving requires continually solving problems - whether these are technical or recurring day-to-day problems. As a Lean tool, A3 reporting addresses the root causes of problems that arise every day at work. When used properly, the PDCA-A3 process dramatically increases the probability of success. Leading companies, such as Toyota, use the PDCA-A3 report to train their employees in a proven and structured problem-solving approach. This 3 day  course introduces participants to problem-solving frameworks, tools and techniques, and explores their practical application to common office problems.

The training is designed to:

Provide participants with the understanding and the means for applying the A3 process to drive office improvements. Participants will develop problem-solving skills to reinforce the application of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology through practical application.


Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Learn to identify, classify and define problems
• Be able to analyze and prioritize problems, symptoms and root causes
• Match the right problem-solving process to the problem
• Use a variety of proven problem-solving models, tools and techniques
• “Frame” a problem to gain support and buy in from others in the organization.
• Understand how the A3 process works (PDCA).
• Create an A3 problem report format to “tell the story” of the problem and to guide and structure the problem solving activity.
• Use root cause analysis tools
• Develop countermeasures
• Develop implementation plans

Course Outline/Components

A. Lean Overview
B. Introduction  To PDCA and A3 Reports
C. PDCA – 8 Steps To Problem Solving And A3 Reporting
    a.  Problem Statement
    b.  Casus and Effect Analysis
    c.  Roost Causes and Countermeasures
    d.  Action Plan
    e.  Results and Follow-up
    f.   Standardize & Train
    g.  Recognize/Share Achievement

Prerequisites

Knowledge of the following concepts:

• Lean Basics
• Functional (swim lane) process mapping
• Value Stream Mapping
• PDCA
• A-3 Reporting
• Cause & Effect Diagrams
• Affinity Diagrams
• Radar & Relationship Diagrams
• Root Cause Analysis

Recommended Reading

• Understanding A3 Thinking, Durward K Sobek II, Art Smalley, CRC Press, N.Y, N. Y., 2008
• Managing to Learn, John Shook, LEI, MA, 2008
• Reference: The Memory Jogger II, Michael Brassard, Diane Ritter, GOAL/QPC, Salem, NH., 1994