Agile Landscape - Entry: A3

• Lean

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A3 in the context of Lean

A3 in Lean

A3 in Lean refers to a structured problem-solving approach that is used to address various issues within organizations. It gets its name from the size of the paper on which the process is typically documented - A3 paper.

Key Components of A3:

1. Background: This section outlines the context of the problem or opportunity being addressed.

2. Current State: Describes the current situation or problem in detail, including relevant data and metrics.

3. Goal: Clearly defines the desired outcome or objective of the problem-solving process.

4. Root Cause Analysis: Investigates the underlying reasons for the problem or opportunity.

5. Countermeasures: Proposes potential solutions or actions to address the root causes.

6. Implementation Plan: Outlines the steps needed to implement the chosen countermeasures.

7. Follow-Up: Describes how progress will be monitored and evaluated post-implementation.

Benefits of Using A3:

• Encourages a structured approach to problem-solving.

• Promotes collaboration and communication within teams.

• Helps to focus on the root causes of issues, leading to more effective solutions.

Resources on A3 in Lean:

1. Toyota Kata: Managing People for Improvement, Adaptiveness and Superior Results by Mike Rother

2. University of Michigan Lean Lab - A3 Management Process

3. Lean Enterprise Institute - Learning to See: Value Stream Mapping to Add Value and Eliminate Muda by Mike Rother and John Shook

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