The A3 problem-solving report is a document that is used for problemsolving and decision-making. This report should easily fit on one page. This acronym stands for the format DIN A3, which is the largest format that can be sent by fax. It is based on nine process steps (disciplines):
- D1 – Background and team building
- D2 – Description of the problem (e.g. pairwise comparison)
- D3 – Set goals and targets
- D4a – Root cause analysis (e.g. Ishikawa-diagramm)
- D4b – Root cause analysis (e.g. 5x Whys)
- D5 – Define and implement countermeasures
- D6 – Follow up
- D7 – Ensure successful solution
- D8 – Standartize or modify process
- D9 – Conclusion and break-up of the team