a3-problem-solver

A3 Problem Solver

Overview

The A3 Problem Solver skill provides comprehensive capabilities for structured problem-solving using the A3 methodology. It supports problem statement crafting, root cause investigation, countermeasure development, and PDCA-based follow-up tracking.

Capabilities

• A3 template facilitation
• Problem statement crafting
• Current condition analysis
• Target condition definition
• Gap analysis
• Root cause investigation
• Countermeasure development
• Follow-up tracking

Used By Processes

• CI-002: A3 Problem Solving
• LEAN-003: Kaizen Event Facilitation
• SIX-005: Root Cause Analysis

Tools and Libraries

• A3 templates
• Coaching frameworks
• Collaboration tools
• Progress tracking systems

Usage

skill: a3-problem-solver
inputs:
  problem_type: "problem_solving"  # problem_solving | proposal | status_report
  problem_owner: "John Smith"
  coach: "Jane Doe"
  problem_description: "Customer lead time increased from 5 days to 8 days"
  current_condition:
    metric: "lead_time"
    current_value: 8
    unit: "days"
  target_condition:
    target_value: 4
    unit: "days"
    timeline: "90 days"
outputs:
  - a3_document
  - problem_statement
  - root_cause_analysis
  - countermeasure_plan
  - implementation_schedule
  - follow_up_checklist

A3 Document Sections

Left Side (Understanding)

| Section | Purpose |

|---------|---------|

| Background | Why is this important now? |

| Current Condition | What is happening today? |

| Target Condition | What should be happening? |

| Gap Analysis | What is the difference? |

| Root Cause Analysis | Why does the gap exist? |

Right Side (Action)

| Section | Purpose |

|---------|---------|

| Countermeasures | What will we do? |

| Implementation Plan | How and when? |

| Follow-up | How will we verify? |

| Results | What did we achieve? |

Problem Statement Criteria

A good problem statement:

• Specific - Clear and measurable
• Observable - Based on data/facts
• Non-judgmental - No blame
• Gap-focused - Current vs. target
• Bounded - Defined scope

Example

Poor: "Quality is bad"

Good: "Defect rate on Line 3 increased from 2% to 5% in Q4 2025"

A3 Thinking Process

PDCA Cycle

1. Plan - Understand problem, identify root cause, develop countermeasures
2. Do - Implement countermeasures
3. Check - Verify results
4. Act - Standardize or adjust

Coaching Questions

| Section | Coaching Questions |

|---------|-------------------|

| Problem | Is it measurable? Based on data? |

| Current | Do you understand the process? |

| Target | Is it realistic? Stretch enough? |

| Root Cause | Did you verify with data? |

| Countermeasures | Do they address root causes? |

| Implementation | Who, what, when? |

Integration Points

• Project tracking systems
• Knowledge management
• Coaching platforms
• Performance dashboards