What is it, and why use it?
An A3 is a concise improvement story connecting context, the current condition, a goal, analysis, countermeasures and follow-up evidence.
It makes the reasoning behind a change visible so others can challenge assumptions and learn from the work.
Explore the A3 Problem Solving features and local-file workflowWhen to use it
Use it to coordinate and communicate an investigation rather than simply present a finished success story.
When another tool fits better
Use Project Charter for an initial scope agreement. Use specialist worksheets for the detailed analysis that supports the A3.
Before you start
- An observed problem, baseline and people who know the process.
- Evidence about the current condition and candidate explanations.
- An owner and a practical plan for testing and follow-up.
Use fictional or approved non-sensitive information. Do not include patient details or proprietary records in practice worksheets.
Step-by-step in CI Tools
Work through the nine collapsible sections, starting with the problem and current condition rather than a chosen solution.
State the target condition and explain the evidence behind the analysis. Summarize what is known and what remains uncertain.
Record proposed countermeasures, implementation ownership and follow-up measures.
Reuse information previews sources before adding live references, pinned snapshots or editable copies into a selected section. Review the captured source version used in exports.
Use A3 preview and PDF settings to inspect the landscape or tiled long report, then save the complete editable worksheet locally.
Understand references, snapshots and editable copies
A live view can read a source’s current version when checked. A pinned snapshot retains captured context; an editable copy is independent. Exports use captured information and do not update after distribution. Review source dates and versions before sharing.
Completed worked examples
Demonstrations only: all organizations, observations, targets and results below are fictional. They are not clinical instructions or universal performance standards.
Healthcare operations — fictional
Referral intake improvement story
Starting information: A fictional service connects a rework baseline to a small checklist test.
| Current condition / goal | 30% rework; aim for 15% by the agreed date |
|---|---|
| Analysis / test | Older forms omit a prompt; test one revised checklist with one team |
| Follow-up | Pilot 2/20 rework; continue collecting comparable observations |
What the result means: The pilot is promising, not a completed proof of success. The A3 should retain the small sample and remaining uncertainty.
General business — fictional
Packing error investigation
Starting information: A fictional warehouse documents an inconsistent label-selection process.
| Current condition | 12 corrections among 100 sample orders |
|---|---|
| Countermeasure | Remove obsolete template and test the revised selection step |
| Follow-up | Measure correction rate and check for new delays |
What the result means: A countermeasure can create another problem. Include a balancing observation such as extra waiting or rework elsewhere.
Practise in a separate worksheet
Open the tool’s built-in synthetic sample as a new editable worksheet. It may differ from the worked demonstrations above. It never replaces an existing worksheet. Save any work you want to retain to your computer.
Open built-in practice worksheetYou’ll be asked to log in if needed. No worksheet is created just by reading this page.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Filling the report backwards from a preferred solution: show the evidence that led to it.
- Overloading the page with detail: link supporting worksheets and summarize clearly.
- Assuming a live reference makes an exported report update automatically: exports are captured records.
Interpret the result
Read the A3 as a chain of reasoning. The current condition should justify the goal, evidence should justify the countermeasure and follow-up should test the original problem. A polished layout cannot replace weak evidence.
Record the assumptions and unanswered questions alongside the result. Use the relevant local review process before making operational decisions.
Credible further learning
These independent educational resources explain the methods. They do not endorse CI Tools Suite. Some external resources have their own access requirements.
- Lean Enterprise Institute: A3 Problem-Solving (external resource)
- IHI: Quality Improvement Essentials Toolkit (external resource)
Resource links reviewed 29 October 2026. Our interface instructions and fictional examples are original CI Tools learning material.
Put the method into practice
Start a new worksheet, use the guide beside your work and keep an editable .citools copy on your computer.
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