Page 416 - The Toyota Way Fieldbook

Chapter 18. Telling the Story Using an A3 Report 389

c. Use arrows to show the flow of information and lead the
reader’s eye along the correct path.
d. Use no more than four bulleted statements to explain the
problem situation, the effect, and the rationale for “pick-
ing up the problem.”
e. Is there a compelling reason to solve this problem? (The
significance should be clear.)
3. Complete the analysis section.
a. Use charts, graphs, and diagrams as much as possible to
show the narrowing of the problem and the selection of
the main causes.
b. Avoid lists of possible causes, likely causes, etc. Use data
to depict the facts.
c. Ensure that your analysis flows step by step, progressing
from the problem to the root cause(s). (It is a graphic ver-
sion of the Five-Why process.)
d. Use arrows to show the flow of information and to assist
the reader.
e. Verify that you have identified true root causes. (They must
meet the four criteria outlined in Chapter 15.)
4. Complete the action plan.
a. Identify short-term temporary and long-term permanent
countermeasures.
b. For larger tasks, were you able to break the task into
smaller increments that could be completed at designated
intervals?
c. Have all actions been completely implemented?
5. Show the results of your activity in the results section.
a. Show the effects of specific actions on the results graph
(indicate implementation dates).
b. Has the improvement been sustained?
c. Depict the effect of the improvement on the related busi-
ness indicators shown in the problem statement section.
d. Use no more than four bulleted statements to describe
the results.
6. Explain the next steps for your activity.
a. Is it necessary to continue working on this problem?
b. Is additional support needed from others?
c. How will you transition responsibility for sustaining the
results?