The company that I work for wants to start problem solving with the A3 format. I am familar with the 8D format. What is the right way?

The company that I work for wants to start problem solving with the A3 format. I am familar with the 8D format. What is the right way?

Hello Shawn,

There is no "right" way. Whatever works best for you and your organization.
Global 8D is a process developed by Ford, A3 is a process developed by Toyota I believe. Your choice. However, when the customer requires a particular problem solving format, you must use it. Please search the Forums for additional information.

Here (http://elsmar.com/Forums/fileslist.php?mode=allfiles&sortby=filename&pageamt=2&criteria=8D) are 8D attachments.
Here (http://elsmar.com/Forums/fileslist.php?mode=allfiles&sortby=filename&pageamt=2&criteria=A3) are A3 attachments.

Hope this helps.

Stijloor.

The company that I work for wants to start problem solving with the A3 format. I am familar with the 8D format. What is the right way?

Welcome, Shawn. Unless there's a specific format required by a customer, there is no universal "right way." Whatever works for your company is the right way. I favor the WTHH&W (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?p=204191#poststop) strategy.

I really like your method.. Thanks for the input!

I like the A3 as it is the best way IMO to publish the information.
It is not really a problem solving method but rather a method of publishing the results.

I like the A3 as it is the best way IMO to publish the information.
It is not really a problem solving method but rather a method of publishing the results.

yes the OP can try a search of this site as we ahve covered this subject before...

but briefly - A3 is a size of paper, not a method. Toyota - and Honda -prefers to report out on a single piece of paper, but it needs to be a large piece of paper. generally you document the problem solving activity in the format of PDCA (Plan Do Check Act) with the inclusion of a "situation analysis" or "current state" section. and use lots of drawings, few words. Depending on the type of project or event or analysis performed the section headings change. there are no 'rules' for that so there is no reason that you can't use the 8D steps as your sections on the A3 report.

I personally prefer the 8D steps as headers than PDCA for problem solving - they really are the same thing there is just more detail and specificity in the 8D steps so they translate well and help ensure that the critical steps that are typically forgotten (containment, validation, controls to prevent recurrence) aren't forgotten by the proejct team...