Learn how to organize thoughts and actions to grab quick wins through structured problem solving. The A3 method coupled with 8 Step Problem Solving and various other easy-to-learn techniques will get your process improvement goals off to a FAST start! A3 Thinking is visual, engaging, interactive, effective, and fun! Call APO for a 1 or 2 day training session in A3 Thinking for your organization. Call now to schedule and for pricing 1-855-427-6462 - Advanced Process Optimization, Inc. http://www.apoinc.us

1. © APO, Inc.
Fast and Foundational Process Improvement
www.apoinc.us
Jason Merschat, MBA, CLSSMBB, PMP®, PSM
jmerschat@apoinc.us
www.APOinc.us
Twitter: @APOinc
Facebook: /AdvancedProcessOptimization
Process Improvement Experts
Lean A3 Thinking
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Plan
Do
Check
Act
Managed on a single document
A visual system that encourages interaction
A standardized system that takes the guesswork out
Scalable and extendable to more advanced techniques
Used for problem solving and process re-engineering
Used extensively by World Class organizations
Measured learning curve – so FAST RESULTS!
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Process Improvement Experts
• A3 Thinking is a method of problem solving that is
founded in the Lean Enterprise System
• Founded on a simple cycle – PDCA
© APO, Inc.
What is A3 Thinking?
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3. • Plan
• Do
• Execute the plan
• Check
Process Improvement Experts
• Most of the work happens here
• Like Einstein says, “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my
life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55
minutes determining the proper question to ask…”
• Define the current condition
• Determine the Root Cause of the problem or the best path
forward using 8D Problem Solving, 5 Why’s , Ishikawa, Pareto,
and Is/Is Not Analysis
• Develop countermeasures
• Develop the implementation plan
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What will we learn?
• Verify that the solution improved the condition
• Act
• Standardize processes based on this new normal
• Share and celebrate success
• Repeat as necessary
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4. www.apoinc.us
Process Improvement Experts
• A3 Thinking is a foundational methodology that teaches
us to think and act differently
• We use a template document to guide and standardize
the look, feel, and expectations around process
improvement
• We have standardized tools that are well understood and
proven to work
• It is an easy to learn technique that seizes fast results
• It is easily scaled into more advanced process
improvement techniques such as Lean Six Sigma
• It’s a Team based sport, but can be completed by an
individual contributor.
• Visual system that encourages collaboration, requires
interaction, and removes excuses from taking on process
improvement initiatives
© APO, Inc.
Why A3 Thinking?
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5. If you would like to learn more about:
Lean Six Sigma
Lean Enterprise System
Project Management
Simulation Modeling
Scrum/Agile
We do projects with our
training!
• Projects return immediate value
• Projects reinforce learning
• Projects are Fun!
Process Improvement Experts
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© APO, Inc.
APO is your Training Partner
Call APO now to customize and schedule
training.
1-855-4-APOinc
-or1-855-427-6462
www.apoinc.us
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