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Definition

An A3 Report is a structured, one-page problem-solving and communication tool used to document and share critical information about a project, improvement effort, or issue. Originating from the Toyota Production System, the A3 Report follows a logical flow: problem definition, analysis, countermeasures, implementation, and follow-up. All of this information is put together on one side of a single A3-sized sheet of paper (11" x 17"). This concise format encourages clear thinking, visual communication, and collaborative problem-solving.

Examples

A typical A3 will have sections for:

Background
Current Situation
Analysis
Goal
Recommendations
Implementation Plan
Follow-up
Results Report

Application

A3 Reports are used to guide and communicate improvement work in a structured way. They can:

Encourage teams to clarify the problem and align on objectives before jumping to solutions.
Provide a visual summary of key information, making it easy for stakeholders to review progress.
Support iterative problem-solving, with updates documented directly on the same page.
Are commonly used for Kaizen events, root cause analysis, and process improvement projects that benefit from rapid but disciplined problem-solving.

Because they are standardized and limited to one page, A3 Reports help teams focus on the most critical information and facilitate clear, consistent communication across all levels of an organization.