Qualipp Articles #3

The use of Problem Resolution A3 model

Organizations are constantly changing in order to update themselves on the

market, offering better products, implementing more efficient processes, reducing
costs and improving their results. These changes in processes and products can add
new risks of failures, so effective management of these changes is critical. And if
new failures occur, how can you act to resolve problems quickly and without the
occurrence of relapses? In this article we discuss the use of model A3 Problem
Solving in organizations. This model is supported by quality tools and the PDCA
cycle.

The A3 model for problem solving has as main objectives:

1) Establish the method of solving problems;
2) Be easy to understand and fill;
3) Give visibility and logic to the issue of investigation;
4) Standardize the method to solve the problems in the organization;
5) Be wide used in business, not only in the shop floor, but also in
administrative areas;
The application of model A3 is recommended for problems that require a
thorough investigation of the root cause, the contributory causes, systemic causes,
requiring actions to prevent their recurrence. It is clear that there will not always be
available enough resources to create a team to investigate the problems. For those
ones with low severity and which have special causes, fewer occurrences and/or
where the root cause is already known, it is recommended the use of the basic
tools of Quality.

The resolution process A3 model has some steps to implement that follow
below:
1) Setting the team and description of the problem: set the multifunctional
team that will participate in the investigation. To understand the problem, the
process and describe it objectively;
2) Analysis of Cause and effect: it uses the Ishikawa Diagram to define root
cause;
3) Listing of Root Causes: list all the root causes and contributory to the
problem being investigated;
4) Definition of corrective actions: define containment actions for
containment and the corrective problem is solved and then stopped.
5) Definition of responsible: responsible for defining the actions listed. Use
verbs in the infinitive to initiate actions. (eg: create systematic control, register
controls or fix the leak)
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6) Presentation of results: the results should be presented in the same

format as the problem was described in step 1. This will support the verification of
effectiveness of this project.
7) Standardization, training and prevention of recurrence: usually need
adjustment, creation or control of any process to which a problem is actually
solved. If this occurs, all modifications, changes of processes, procedures, control
plans and FMEAs should be appropriately communicated and those involved be
trained.
8) Recognition of the team for their commitment: after the effort of all
involved and milestones reached, it must be recognized the work of the team.
The A3 model in Excel supports the execution of steps, because it contains
the fields and data necessary for conducting the work with the team. The
completion of the form becomes visible to other employees the progress of
activities, can be handled and make all physical team initiatives. Below is a portion
of the form:

Figure 1 - Worksheet A3 Troubleshooting

The same file contains two additional worksheets, the first to detail and
management action plan. There are multiple fields to record activities, deadlines,
workload required, etc. Fabiano Faccini, user file says this: "It is a support for the
action plan that will be recorded in A3, containing details of actions. It is important

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 Qualipp Articles #3

that all actions taken are recorded so that the work is a reference for future
activities. "

Figure 2 - Worksheet for detailed action plan

To complement the analysis of the root cause, there is a third sheet that
aims to expand the knowledge and assessment of the team, using the tool of the 3
Legs and 5 Whys. In the application of this tool, the team can investigate and
reflect on the systemic causes that may have caused the problem, as well as the
analysis of the detection of this problem within the organization. There are three
columns in the worksheet, Systemic, and Product Detection. "In many
investigations I attended, there were barriers to research the systemic causes or
who had failed to detect. This simple spreadsheet analysis makes this a premise for
the investigation in question, "said Faccini.

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Figure 3 - Worksheet root cause analysis on product and detection system

The A3 model can be applied to any organization be it a hospital or law

offices, as problems are routine in many organizations and to have the right tool at
the right time makes all the difference.

If you want to receive the template file to A3 Resolution Problemas.xlsx,

please contact us and request free email: contato@qualipp.com.

Fabiano Faccini

www.qualipp.com

06/10/12