1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
After the Gemba Walk
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
A3 Thinking is an approach where teams use a standardized template for problem-solving that is drawn on a single A3-format sheet of paper. It is used predominantly for problem-solving, but can also be used for decision-making, progress reporting, and knowledge storing/sharing. A3 Thinking was developed to support continuous improvement projects and it follows the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act). It typically includes the following stages:
Problem Background (Plan)
Current Conditions (Plan)
Root Cause Analysis (Plan)
Proposed Solution(s) (Plan)
Implementation Plan (Do)
Follow-up & Prevent Recurrence (Check)
Share the successfully implemented actions (Act)
3. HOW TO USE A3 THINKING IN THE GEMBA WALK
A3 Thinking is used as a standard way to solve a problem or document the problem-solving process by describing the problem, why, where and how it occurred. It challenges the team to look for and state the root cause, the proposed solution and how it was implemented. This is further complemented with the follow-up information on countermeasures. The A3 Thinking report is a tool that supports knowledge management, transparency, team alignment and empowers employees towards continuous improvement. It also enables a simple way to document the progress of improvement projects that could be later on retrieved from other employees for learning purposes.
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Supports tool implementation and dedicates resources for A3 Thinking. Uses A3 Thinking template along with the PDCA cycle to solve problems, report about problems solved or get informed about the problems solved by the Gemba team
Facilitator: Maintains, coaches and guides leaders and employees in how to use the A3 Thinking methodology and template
Team member: Follows the A3 Thinking methodology, applying the template to solve problems. Documents and shares the problems solved using the A3 template
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Provides a structured way to solve problems & report
Provides clear ownership & accountability
Provides consistency across the organization
Stimulates data-driven decisions
Ensures transparency
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT APPLY A3 THINKING
Airbus Defence and Space, CEMEX, IMC, Interface and Thermo Fisher Scientific