Template

A3 Problem-Solving Template with Coaching Prompts

An interactive A3 template that guides teams through evidence collection, disciplined analysis, countermeasure testing, verification, and facilitator coaching prompts. Saves responses for later review and verification.

Interactive Tool

A3 Problem-Solving Template with Coaching Prompts

This interactive A3 helps teams produce concise problem statements, evidence-based analysis, testable countermeasures, and clear verification so improvements actually stick. Fill each section with evidence, owners, and measurable acceptance criteria. Facilitators: use the Coaching Checklist near the end to avoid common biases and confirm containment vs systemic remedy choices.

Who is submitting or owning this A3?
YYYY-MM-DD or natural date text
Brief context: why this area matters to customers, safety, quality, cost, delivery or compliance.
Who must be informed or involved in decisions and verification?
What is happening now? Use data and specific examples rather than opinions.
List measurements, dates, sample sizes, photos, logs, or system records that support the current state claim. Example: defect rate = 7.2% (Jan–Mar), sample n=250.
Make it specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound. Example: Reduce part defects from 7.2% to <1.5% by 2026-09-30.
Primary metric(s), target value, and measurement cadence.
Choose an analysis approach. You can combine methods.
Summarize your analysis, include key data points, and state the most likely root cause(s). If using 5 Whys, briefly show the chain of reasoning. Attach or reference supporting artifacts where possible.
What immediate steps were taken to limit impact? Who executed them and when? Note whether containment is temporary or expected to be permanent.
Select the option that best describes intent so we can confirm verification steps.
Describe the proposed action intended to address the root cause. Keep it testable and specific.
Person responsible for testing/implementing this countermeasure.
Describe how you'll test this countermeasure (scope, duration, sample size, acceptance criteria). Keep tests limited and measurable.
How will you know the countermeasure worked? Specify metrics, target improvement, and when verification will occur.
Optional additional countermeasure. Consider alternative approaches or complementary actions.
Optional.
List main tasks in a simple bullet format: Task — Owner — Due Date. Keep the first iteration small and measurable.
People, materials, approvals, budget, or downtime needed to test/implement.
Estimate benefits: error reduction, time saved, safety improvement, cost avoidance, etc.
When will you re-measure to verify countermeasure effectiveness?
Record measured outcomes vs targets, sample sizes, and any unexpected effects.
Actions after verification (standardize, update procedures, training, monitor), with owners and due dates.
What did the team learn about the process, measurement, or assumptions that others should know?
Use this checklist during facilitation to avoid common RCA pitfalls.
Record coaching cues used in the session (questions asked, decisions to push back, further analysis needed).
Current status after verification activity.
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