The parts of an A3
- Reason and background
- Current situation, with figures
- Goal, in figures
- Root cause analysis
- Countermeasures
- Plan of approach
- Follow-up and embedding
Example (illustrative)
An A3 for changeover time: current situation 45 minutes, goal 30 minutes. Root cause analysis, a SMED measure, and follow-up with the measured changeover time after implementation.
Where the A3 leans on figures
The current situation and follow-up boxes stand or fall on reliable figures, usually the weak point. VDS supplies that measurement data; you write the A3 and watch over the kaizen. Embedding means continuing to measure, so the improvement does not slip back.
Frequently asked questions
What belongs in an A3?
Background, current situation with figures, goal, root cause analysis, measures, plan and follow-up, together on a single sheet.
What is the difference between A3 and kaizen?
An A3 is the document per improvement; kaizen is the ongoing culture of small improvements that you record with it.
How do you embed a kaizen?
By continuing to measure after implementation and standardising the new way of working, so that the improvement lasts.
