a5c-ai A3 Problem Solver
Overview
The A3 Problem Solver skill provides comprehensive capabilities for structured problem-solving using the A3 methodology. It supports problem statement crafting, root cause investigation, countermeasure development, and PDCA-based follow-up tracking.
Capabilities
- A3 template facilitation
- Problem statement crafting
- Current condition analysis
- Target condition definition
- Gap analysis
- Root cause investigation
- Countermeasure development
- Follow-up tracking
Used By Processes
- CI-002: A3 Problem Solving
- LEAN-003: Kaizen Event Facilitation
- SIX-005: Root Cause Analysis
Tools and Libraries
- A3 templates
- Coaching frameworks
- Collaboration tools
- Progress tracking systems
Usage
skill: a3-problem-solver
inputs:
problem_type: "problem_solving" # problem_solving | proposal | status_report
problem_owner: "John Smith"
coach: "Jane Doe"
problem_description: "Customer lead time increased from 5 days to 8 days"
current_condition:
metric: "lead_time"
current_value: 8
unit: "days"
target_condition:
target_value: 4
unit: "days"
timeline: "90 days"
outputs:
- a3_document
- problem_statement
- root_cause_analysis
- countermeasure_plan
- implementation_schedule
- follow_up_checklist
A3 Document Sections
Left Side (Understanding)
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Background | Why is this important now? |
| Current Condition | What is happening today? |
| Target Condition | What should be happening? |
| Gap Analysis | What is the difference? |
| Root Cause Analysis | Why does the gap exist? |
Right Side (Action)
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Countermeasures | What will we do? |
| Implementation Plan | How and when? |
| Follow-up | How will we verify? |
| Results | What did we achieve? |
Problem Statement Criteria
A good problem statement:
- Specific - Clear and measurable
- Observable - Based on data/facts
- Non-judgmental - No blame
- Gap-focused - Current vs. target
- Bounded - Defined scope
Example
Poor: "Quality is bad" Good: "Defect rate on Line 3 increased from 2% to 5% in Q4 2025"
A3 Thinking Process
PDCA Cycle
- Plan - Understand problem, identify root cause, develop countermeasures
- Do - Implement countermeasures
- Check - Verify results
- Act - Standardize or adjust
Coaching Questions
| Section | Coaching Questions |
|---|---|
| Problem | Is it measurable? Based on data? |
| Current | Do you understand the process? |
| Target | Is it realistic? Stretch enough? |
| Root Cause | Did you verify with data? |
| Countermeasures | Do they address root causes? |
| Implementation | Who, what, when? |
Integration Points
- Project tracking systems
- Knowledge management
- Coaching platforms
- Performance dashboards