Notably flexible and brief, the A3 report has proven to be a key tool In Toyota's successful move toward organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and improvement, especially within its engineering and R&D organizations. The power of the A3 report, however, derives not from the report itself, but rather from the development of the culture and mindset required for the implementation of the A3 system. In other words, A3 reports are not just an end product but are evidence of a powerful set of dynamics that is referred to as A3 Thinking.
In Understanding A3 Thinking, the authors first show that the A3 report is an effective tool when it is implemented in conjunction with a PDCA-based management philosophy. Toyota views A3 Reports as just one piece in their PDCA management approach. Second, the authors show that the process leading to the development and management of A3 reports is at least as important as the reports themselves, because of the deep learning and professional development that occurs in the process. And finally, the authors provide a number of examples as well as some very practical advice on how to write and review A3 reports.
From the Authors
We are excited to introduce the concept of A3 Thinking to you via this collaborative effort. In order to give you a brief sense of what this book is all about we will outline the main organization of the book below and add a few descriptive opening comments for several chapters. In addition you might want to look at the FAQ's section of this website as well as glance at the sample A3 problem solving report. In the future as time allows we'll add some sample exercises and ways for interested parties to practice their skill with writing A3 style reports.
Main Outline of A3 Thinking- Chapter 1 - An
Introduction to Managerial Effectiveness
- Chapter 2 - A3
Thinking
- Chapter 3 - The
A3 Problem Solving Report
- Chapter 4 - The A3 Proposal Report
- Chapter 5 - The A3 Project Status Report
- Chapter 6 - Notes on Form and Style
- Chapter 7 - Supporting Structures
- Chapter 8 - Conclusion
- Sample Problem Solving A3