A3 Project Management
A3 Projet Management and Problem Solving Thinking - Overview
1. WHAT IS AN A3 PROJECT?
- An A3 project is an activity that: - Supports continuous improvement objectives - Requires over 20 hours of dedicated man-hours - Uses an A3 worksheet
2. WHERE DO A3 PROJECTS COME FROM?
- Proposed by any function or personnel - Based on improvement objectives, VSM, compliance or safety requirements - Pre-screened by senior managers for the master list - Master project list managed by the continuous improvement facilitator
3. A3 OBJECTIVE
- To create a one-page (A3 size, 420mm x 297mm) summary of a program, project, or problem for the team and relevant personnel.
4. WHY?
- Promotes brevity and focused thinking - Tells a logical story on one sheet - Standardizes project/problem documentation across the organization
5. WHO?
- Team leader of the program/project - Or the process owner of the area under review
6. HOW?
- Complete the standard A3 Template (7–9 boxes) - Follows an 8-step path and is tailored per project - Use visuals (photos, drawings, graphs) to support storytelling
7. UPDATE FREQUENCY
- The A3 is a living document—updated continuously as the project progresses.
8. REVIEW FREQUENCY
- Reviewed by the team and project/program champion as needed. Frequency is set at the beginning of the project.
Click for A3 Storyboard Example
