excel a3 problem solving template

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A3 Problem Solving Template

A3 thinking is a logical and structured approach to problem solving adopted by Lean organizations around the world. It can be used for most kinds of problems and in any part of the business. This A3 template uses a four stages model that is based on the PDCA management philosophy. It makes the problem-solving progress visible to the entire team while allowing the lessons to be learned by others.

This template is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can use and modify to meet your specific requirements. For example, you may expand the implementation or follow-up plans by increasing the number of rows. The template is available in two variations: a user-friendly straightforward version, and a more detailed one that requires providing in-depth information.

A3 Template (32 KB)

A3 Template – Simple (216 KB)

A3 Template – Detailed (340 KB)

Related Templates

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CIToolkit Content Team

Lean Events and Training / Forms and Templates

Forms and Templates

Downloads for A3 problem solving, standard work , project management, and value stream mapping .

Problem Solving Templates

A3 Action Plan Form (from Getting the Right Things Done)

• The action plan template helps define the who, what, when, where, and how of a plan on one page.
• Helps track progress and highlight problems so action can be taken.

A3 Status Review Form (from Getting the Right Things Done)

• Top box provides an overview with respect to our critical end-of-pipe metrics.
• Second box provides an overview of activities, and usually reflects what’s been prescribed on the action plan of the right side of the strategy A3.

A3 Strategy Form (from Getting the Right Things Done)

• A strategy A3 is a one-page storyboard on 11-inch by 17-inch paper that helps tell the strategy “story.”
• Logic flows from top left to bottom right, and each box leads to the next one.

Detailed A3 Template (from Managing to Learn)

• Print this A3 template out to remind you of each section of the problem-solving A3 as you are creating your own.

PDSA A3 Template (from On the Mend)

• A3 Template, in Excel, following the PDSA cycle.

Problem Definition Worksheet

• This worksheet can help you breakdown the problem into a clearly defined gap as well as see how the problem aligns to the needs of the business or your True North purpose.

Root Cause Template

• This template gives you space to record the problem as well as the direct causes and underlying causes.

Four Types of Problems

Art Smalley

Managing to Learn: Using the A3 management process

Perfecting Patient Journeys

Beau Keyte , Tom Shuker and Judy Worth

Getting the Right Things Done

Pascal Dennis

Standard Work Templates

Standard Work Operator Balance Chart (OBC)

• The operator balance chart helps create continuous flow in a multi-step, multi-operator process by distributing operator work elements in relation to takt time.

Standard Work Process Study Sheet

• The Process Study Sheet is used to define and record the time for work elements in a process.

Standard Work Production Analysis Board

• A Production Analysis Board is a display that must be located at the exit of the cell (or the line) to show actual performance compared with planned performance on an hourly basis.

Standard Work Skills Training Matrix

• The Skills Training Matrix shows the required and attained skills of every operator.
• The training schedule also should be shown.

Standardized Work Chart

• The standardized work chart shows operator movement and material location in relation to the machine and overall process layout.
• It should show takt time, work sequence, and standard WIP.

Standardized Work Combination Table

• The standardized work combination table shows the combination of manual work time, walk time, and machine processing time for each operation in a production sequence.
• This form is a more precise process design tool than the Operator Balance Chart.
• It can be very helpful to identify the waste of waiting and overburden, and to confirm standard.

Standardized Work Job Instruction Sheet

• The job instruction sheet is used to train new operations.
• It lists the steps of the job, detailing any special knack that may be required to perform the job safely with utmost quality and efficiency.
• It can also be useful for experienced operators to reconfirm the right operations.

Standardized Work Process Capacity Sheet

• The Process Capacity Chart is used to calculate the capacity of each machine to confirm true capacity and to identify and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Processing capacity per shift will be calculated from the available production time, completion time, and tool-change time (and other factors as necessary) for each work piece.

Waste Walk Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

• Taking a “waste walk” is one way to make the waste visible again.
• A waste walk is simply a planned visit to where work is being performed to observe what’s happening and to note the waste. It differs from go-see activities in that you are specifically looking for waste.

Kaizen Express

Toshiko Narusawa and John Shook

Lean Lexicon 5th Edition

Lean Enterprise Institute

Training Within Industry (TWI) Templates and Downloads

8-step TWI problem solving card - as presented by IBM

• 8-steps to problem solving handy pocket card printable.

Solving Problems with TWI

• Solving problems with TWI deployment graphic.

Template of Job Breakdown Sheet

• Job breakdown sheets are created to list the steps and highlight the main factors or key points that go into completing a job.
• It also provides reasons for these key points.

TWI Job Instruction Card

• TWI Job Instruction card in a handy pocket printable.

TWI Job Methods Card

• TWI Job Methods Card in a handy pocket printable.

TWI Job Relations Card

• TWI Job Relations Card in a handy pocket printable.

Lean Solutions

James (Jim) Womack, PhD and Dan Jones

Lean Thinking, 2nd Edition

Project Management Templates

Master Schedule and Action Plan Template for One Goal (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

• Use this template in your project tracking center so you can track both goals and action items on the same form.

End of Project Review Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

• The following template will help you capture your end-of-project reflections and make decisions about what to do next.

Master Schedule Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

• This template will help you answer this question by letting you include the project goals with space to indicate whether each goal is on track as originally planned and whether the scheduled progress review has taken place.

Team Board Form (from Getting the Right Things Done)

• A team board is a window on both routine and improvement work.
• The board on this template addresses both daily production and strategic issues, and is organized according to SQDCM—safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale.

Value Proposition Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

• Align the stakeholders around what will be included in addressing the problem,
• Identify the stakeholders who will be added to the project team and actively engaged in creating the current- and future-state value-stream maps,
• Identify additional stakeholders necessary to drive the implementation of the future state,
• Serve as an agreement—a proof of consensus—on the specific problem to be solved, and with the problem statement serve as authorization for the entire project.

Action Planning Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

• Identify the specific changes that need to be made and translate those changes into clearly stated goals and actions (i.e., the means) to achieve those goals.
• Identify the specific methods and action steps you think will help you achieve the goals. These action steps and targets constitute the action plan to achieve a specific goal.

Value-Stream Mapping Templates

Value-stream Mapping Icons for Excel

• At the request of some of our readers we have posted the most commonly used mapping icons so that they can be downloaded for Excel spreadsheets.

Learning to See

Mike Rother and John Shook

VSM Getting Started Set

Lean Enterprise Institute , Mike Rother and John Shook

Mapping to See: Value-Stream Improvement Workshop

Beau Keyte , Jim Luckman , Kirk Paluska , Guy Parsons , John Shook , Tom Shuker and David Verble

Improvement Kata / Coaching Kata

Improvement Kata Learner's Storyboard

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Free Excel A3 Templates: Process, Problem-Solving, and Strategy

By Lulu Richter | July 29, 2024

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Below, you’ll find the most effective A3 templates in Excel for structured problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Included in this article, you’ll find the following:

• A3 status report template
• A3 strategic planning template
• Lean A3 DMAIC template
• A3 action plan template

Excel A3 Problem-Solving Template

Download the A3 Problem-Solving Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: This template is akin to Toyota's Lean manufacturing-related A3 reports, which follow the Japanese business philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement. Use this template to address a specific problem or to identify opportunities for continuous, incremental improvements.

Notable Template Features: This template provides sections for describing a problem, its current and target states, its planned countermeasures, and an implementation plan. The template combines preformatted tables with blank space for adding visual charts and other documentation. A  fillable fishbone diagram aids in  root cause analysis .

Excel A3 Proposal Template

Download the A3 Proposal Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: Choose this A3 template when proposing a new project, process change, or initiative.

Notable Template Features: This template covers the background, current situation, recommendations, implementation plan, and evaluation criteria to help you articulate the need for change and the expected outcomes. 

Excel A3 Status Report Template

Download the A3 Status Report Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: Use this A3 status report template for periodic updates on ongoing projects or initiatives in order to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.

Notable Template Features: This template allows you to add visuals and tables, so you can document issues and risks, required resources, and next steps. Create a summary report of the current status, metrics, accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned.

Excel A3 Strategic Planning Template

Download the A3 Strategic Planning Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: Use this A3 strategic planning template to align your organizational strategy with actionable plans, focusing on long-term goals.

Notable Template Features: With a layout similar to a  business model canvas , this template supports higher-level planning, with sections for current state and gap analysis, strategic initiatives, action plans, and follow-up. Insert your own visuals to illustrate your analysis and create a comprehensive A3 report.

Excel A3 DMAIC Project Template

Download the A3 DMAIC Project Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: This A3 template is designed for  Six Sigma projects that utilize the DMAIC methodology to improve processes and solve problems.

Notable Template Features: This template is organized around the five DMAIC phases: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. The template walks users through each stage of process improvement, from defining the problem statement and objectives to analyzing the root cause, proposing solutions, and pursuing follow-up measures.

Use one of these  templates to write a problem statement .

Excel Lean A3 DMAIC Template

Download the Lean A3 DMAIC Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: Use this Lean A3 DMAIC template for complex  process improvements , projects involving multiple departments or teams, long-term projects, and data-driven initiatives requiring meticulous documentation and tracking.

Notable Template Features: This template combines an A3 DMAIC report with a Gantt chart, so you can visualize the timeline, track progress, and manage dependencies and milestones across the DMAIC project phases. The A3 report includes planned start and end dates for each DMAIC phase, as well as space for visual elements such as process maps, data collection plans, root cause analysis, and other supporting charts and data. 

Excel A3 Action Plan Template

Download the A3 Action Plan Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: When implementing actions or projects to reach shorter-term goals, choose this tactical A3 action plan to outline and manage the necessary steps.

Notable Template Features: This template offers a simple layout for adding detailed steps, timelines, responsibilities, and resources, so you can achieve a particular objective. Sections include background information, measurable targets, an action plan, and an evaluation of outcomes. The action plan allows you to manage risk by providing strategies for mitigating potential obstacles.

Improve Process and Problem-Solving with A3 Templates from Smartsheet

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The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed. 

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time.  Try Smartsheet for free, today.

Discover why over 90% of Fortune 100 companies trust Smartsheet to get work done.

A Step-by-Step Guide to A3 Problem Solving Methodology

Problem-solving is an important component of any business or organization. It entails identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems in order to improve processes, drive results, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. A3 Problem solving is one of the most effective problem-solving methodologies.

A3 Problem Solving has numerous advantages, including improved communication, better decision-making, increased efficiency, and reduced waste. It is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes and industries, and it is especially useful for solving complex and multi-faceted problems.

What is A3 Problem Solving?

A3 Problem Solving is a structured and systematic approach to problem-solving that makes use of a one-page document called an A3 report to visually represent the process. The A3 report provides an overview of the problem, data analysis, root causes, solutions, and results in a clear and concise manner. The method was created within the framework of the Lean manufacturing methodology and is based on the principles of continuous improvement and visual management.

Origin and History of A3 Problem Solving

Key principles of a3 problem solving.

The following are the key principles of A3 Problem Solving:

These principles serve as the foundation of the A3 Problem Solving methodology and are intended to assist organisations in continuously improving and achieving their objectives. Organizations can effectively solve problems, identify areas for improvement, and drive results by adhering to these principles.

Step 1: Define the Problem

Importance of clearly defining the problem.

However, if the problem is not clearly defined, the data gathered may be irrelevant or incorrect, resulting in incorrect conclusions and ineffective solutions. Furthermore, the process of collecting and analysing data can become time-consuming and inefficient, resulting in resource waste. Furthermore, if the problem is not accurately defined, the solutions developed may fail to address the root cause of the problem, resulting in ongoing issues and a lack of improvement.

Techniques for Defining the Problem

Best practice for defining the problem.

In addition to brainstorming, root cause analysis, process mapping, and Ishikawa diagram s, best practices should be followed when defining a problem in A3 Problem Solving. Among these best practices are:

Organizations can ensure that their problem is defined in a way that allows for effective data collection, analysis, and solution development by following these best practices. This will aid in the development of appropriate solutions and the effective resolution of the problem, resulting in improvements in the organization’s processes and outcomes.

Step 2: Gather Data

Gathering data in a3 problem solving.

Data collection is an important step in the A3 Problem Solving process because it allows organisations to gain a thorough understanding of the problem they are attempting to solve. This step entails gathering pertinent information about the problem, such as data on its origin, impact, and any related factors. This information is then used to help identify root causes and develop effective solutions.

Overall, data collection is an important step in the A3 Problem Solving process because it serves as the foundation for effective problem-solving. Organizations can gain a deep understanding of the problem they are attempting to solve and develop effective solutions that address its root cause by collecting and analysing relevant data.

Data Collection Methods

The best data collection method will be determined by the problem being solved and the type of data required. To gain a complete understanding of the problem, it is critical to use multiple data collection methods.

Tools for Data Analysis and Visualization

These tools can assist in organising data and making it easier to understand. They can also be used to generate visual representations of data, such as graphs and charts, to communicate the findings to others.

Step 3: Identify Root Causes

Overview of the root cause analysis process.

The process of determining the underlying causes of a problem is known as root cause analysis. This process can assist organisations in determining why a problem is occurring and what can be done to prevent it from recurring in the future. The goal of root cause analysis is to identify the underlying cause of a problem rather than just its symptoms, allowing it to be addressed more effectively.

Techniques for Identifying Root Causes

Best practices for conducting root cause analysis, step 4: develop solutions, solution development in a3 problem solving.

A3 solution development Problem solving is an iterative process in which options are generated and evaluated. The data gathered in the previous steps, as well as the insights and understanding gained from the root cause analysis, guide this process. The solution should be based on a thorough understanding of the problem and address the underlying cause.

Techniques for Developing Solutions

Best practice for developing solutions, step 5: implement solutions, the implementation process.

The implementation process entails putting the solutions developed in the previous step into action. This could include changes to processes, procedures, and systems, as well as employee training and education. To ensure that the solutions are effective, the implementation process should be well-planned and meticulously executed.

Techniques for Implementing Solutions

Best practice for implementing solutions.

It is critical to follow these best practices when implementing solutions in A3 Problem Solving:

Organizations can improve their problem-solving skills and achieve better results by following the key principles, techniques, and best practices outlined in this guide. As a result, both the organisation and its stakeholders will benefit from increased efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction. So, whether you’re an experienced problem solver or just getting started, consider incorporating the A3 Problem Solving methodology into your work and start reaping the benefits right away.

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Daniel croft, lean manufacturing in the age of industry 4.0: how to incorporate technology for optimal results, the voice of the customer (voc), free lean six sigma templates.

Improve your Lean Six Sigma projects with our free templates. They're designed to make implementation and management easier, helping you achieve better results.

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How to use A3 report – example and template for free

A3 report is one page report about project progress, its background, and challenges. It is easily explanation tool for broader audience, and stakeholders interested in the project.

this article contains:

What is A3 problem solving report?

A3 report out as a option, steps to create a3 report, a3 report example – restaurant improvement, a3 report at project start, a3 report as project progress, a3 report at project end.

• A3 report template download

Hot news, folks. In order to help you as much as I can in your improvement efforts, I have launched non-binding consultation program. I would like to help you with:

• Lean culture implementation in your organization
• Six Sigma projects consultations
• Lean Six Sigma trainings and certifications support
• Project management theory turn into practical usage
• Your career planning

First 30 minutes of consultation for free, every additional 1 hour 10 USD.

On a literal level, A3 refers to a paper size 29.7 x 42.0 in cm 11×17 in inches. In the lean six sigma world, we use this report out tool to show teams thinking, when addressing project goal. Use A3 during whole project life cycle. Create A3 right after project charter creation.

Six sigma tools to use in your (not just) first project – read here

Well, I suggest to agree with stakeholders, the way they want to see project report out. There are different ways possible. And A3 is one of possibilities.

So, no need to use A3 in every project. But be consistent, once using it.

A3 creation, preparation and updating is much faster, than creating presentation for example. It is simple to use and read. It is great tool, when presenting more projects updates in one meeting. A3 helps team focusing on the project goal and its deliverables, and makes it much simpler to review progress for those interested in the project.

5 simple Green belt project ideas – read here

A3 form template, is available for download in the end of this article. For free. Use it, share it.

These are areas should be filled at project beginning, as already mentioned.

• Project name,
• Current state pains
• Project goal, and the
• Section with team information

It takes some time with working on projects following DMAIC. But it worth it. So, do not jump into the solutions however attractive and tempting it would be. Try to understand current problem, identify your ideal state, and create a plan to reach it.

Here is a link to download project charter template for your usage, with the brief description of each section. You are free to share and distribute this list.

I do videos, blog posts, and all templates for free, in my free time. I will appreciate if you can donate me a cup of cofee, for more energy in my creation. (1 dollar counts, too 😉 Click on this link: I would like to support Erik in his effort

A3 sections to be updated this way..

• Create 4 sections prior project start, as mentioned.
• Develop high level activities and their schedule in project beginning together with team. It can be DMAIC phases at beginning. You can add more details as progressing with project.
• Update the rest of A3 areas with project progress. Do the update together with your team.
• Review A3 during one on one project progress review with sponsor, prior showing to stakeholders.
• Update stakeholders regularly. Minimally after finishing each project phase.

What are Six Sigma project types? (+templates) – read here

Let me share an A3 report example with you. A3 refers to my earlier video – improving fast food restaurant, called “Eating mania”.

OK, you can argue, that there is no real stakeholder in this project, to whom to report out. It is true statement. I will show correlations between project, and reporting out progress by A3.

Restaurant owner has a problem with very slow business growth. And he would like to develop process, that would bring 15% more customers in 3 months. This is perfect project goal.

Download DMAIC tools list, I suggest allways to follow.

22 green belt certification companies prices review – read here

And this is how A3 would look like when project starts:

Team have developed high level project plan right after project kick off. There are leaders of each step, time frame where each step should be addressed. It needs teams discussions to define those steps, when there is no experienced leader.

How to select your first green belt project? – read here

As team is progressing, accomplished tasks are updated with current status. Additional information, as Analysis, and project challenges is provided to the report. Use pictures, graphs or other visualization to show used tools in the analyze section.

Follow ups and challenges are here to share with stakeholders and sponsor, what difficulties team is facing. You might ask for helping hand in the case team is stuck up.

You can update any A3 section accordingly, as project goes on. It must reflect reality.

Construction DMAIC improvement example – read here

And this is A3 after finishing whole project. Note, there are project results showed in follow up, and analyze section. It is important to share positive things, as well as those, which did not run very well, and need some more attention, or different approach.

And there you are. Filled A3 report after project finalization.

A3 report template

What you will get, by downloading this file:

• A3 form Excel template
• Restaurant example – filled A3 report (above used pictures)

To download entire A3 report template –click on the link below

Do not forget to visit and subscribe my YouTube channel . I am uploading Six Sigma, Lean and Project oriented videos regurarly. So, stay tuned.

Yours sincerely Erik.

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