Toyota Way Fieldbook : A Practical Guide for Implementing Toyota's 4Ps

whether a problem should be addressed. If agreement to move forward is estab-
lished, the next level of the proposal stage comes after the identification of root
causes. At this time a proposal is generally made to gain acceptance and approval
of the proposed solutions.
After the proposed countermeasures are accepted and implementation begins,
the process moves into the second stage, the status reportingstage using a status
report story. This stage provides information and updates to others to verify
that the activity is progressing on schedule. It is also an opportunity to question
and explore the completeness of thinking, and to provide additional resources
if necessary to complete the activity as scheduled.
The third stage is the final reportingat the completion of the activity. At this
time there is generally no need to further question the details of the activityitself.
The focus is on the completeness of the result. Generally, the final presentation
is not made until the countermeasures have successfully eliminated the problem
and the desired results have been achieved. The primary purpose of the final
report is to acknowledge the activity and the success of the team or individual.
It is a celebration of good thinking and good process. It’s also a time to ask,
“What’s next?” What is the next problem that will be “picked up”?
Table 18-1 shows the three stages during the problem-solving process and how
the A3 is used during each. Before actually deciding to begin a problem-solving
activity, it is important to evaluate the problem in the context of other issues. If the
problem statement step is completed as outlined in Chapter 14, this information
can easily be used for comparison. Alternatives can also be explored, such as who
should work on the problem, how many people, and what time frame (depending
upon the urgency of the problem). The initial proposal of a problem should bring

380 THETOYOTAWAYFIELDBOOK

Before During After

Overall comparison

with other problems

Clarify objectives

Provide guidance

Consider other

options

Gain consensus and

approval

Progress check

Verify direction of

activity

Provide guidance

Provide additional

support

Provide additional

resources

Verify successful

completion and

achievement of

results

Celebrate success

Evaluate further

considerations

Proposal Presentation Status Reporting Final Report

Table 18-1. A3 Problem-Solving Report Process