A3 IMPROVEMENT TOOL

Looking for a way to focus and coordinate improvement initiatives? A3, which is named after the size of paper it is meant to be printed on. The aim is to have a summary of your improvement project from background through resolution all communicated on one sheet of paper! A3 becomes a merger of a charter document and a DMAIC improvement process.

BACKGROUND:

• Note any contextual or background information necessary to fully understand the issue.
• Indicate how this problem affects the company’s goals or is related to its values.

• Insert a diagram that illustrates how the current process works.
• Label the diagram so that anyone knowledgeable about the process can understand.
• Note the major problems (we like to put them in storm bursts to set them apart)
• Include quantified measures of the extent of the problem – graphical representations are best!

ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS:

• List the main problem(s)
• Ask appropriate “why?” questions until you reach the root cause.  A rule-of-thumb: you haven’t reached the root cause until you’ve asked “why?” at least 5 times!
• List the answers to each why question

• Insert a diagram that illustrates how the proposed process will work, with labels.
• Note or list the countermeasure(s) that will address the root cause(s) identified.
• Predict the expected improvement in the measure of interest (specifically and quantitatively)

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:

• List the actions which must be done in order to realize the Target Condition, along with the individual responsible for the action and a due date.
• Add other items, such as cost, that are relevant to the implementation.

NEXT TIME How Quality Tools & High Performing Homes Programs fit into the NHQA Criteria PLUS schedule of next blog topics