The A3 Storyboard

This week’s blog post is from Deanna Cooney and it explains the benefits of the A3 storyboard tool and how to use it.

Deanna is Senior Process Improvement Consultant with Cancer Care Alberta's Quality, Safety and Practice Integration Team. Deanna is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Manager of Quality and Organization Excellence with over 15 years of experience in healthcare improvement.

Happy Reading.

-Michael

What is an A3 Storyboard?

By Deanna Cooney

An A3 storyboard is a visual tool used in the A3 problem-solving process, which originated from Toyota's lean management practices (TPS – Toyota Production System). It is named after the A3 paper size (297 mm x 420 mm or 11.7 in x 16.5 in) on which it was typically created [1].

The storyboard format helps to systematically document and communicate problem-solving efforts, making it easier to understand project findings and impact.

It tells the story of how the initiative achieved it’s goal(s) and highlights how the process was completed. It should have enough information so the reader has enough understanding -as if being told by the initiative lead.

How is an A3 Storyboard Used?

The A3 storyboard is used in various stages of problem-solving and contains distinct sections for each of the AHS Improvement Way (AIW) phases:

1. Define Opportunity: It begins with background information and clearly defines the problem and goal statement.
2. Build Understanding: This phase involves analyzing the current state to identify and understand the root cause(s). This phase substantiates the problem and goal statement with data analysis, value analysis, and RCA (root cause analysis) tools such as the fishbone, 5 Whys, etc.
3. Act to Improve: This phase involves identifying, prioritizing, planning, testing, refining (PDSA – plan-do-study-act) cycle(s), piloting proposed changes from start to finish and monitoring data. Once the data shows the desired outcome(s) is achieved over time, the changes are fully implemented.
4. Sustain: Process data monitoring continues to ensure the outcomes are achieved. Process owners are responsible for “trigger points” and response plan and utilization if required.
5. Change Management: In all four phases, Change Management is required to reinforce change. Tools such as a Communication Plan, stakeholder analysis ADKAR (Prosci) are used.
6. Shared Learnings: What are the lessons learned? What worked? What didn’t work? Can this initiative be scaled and spread in other areas?

Benefits of Using an A3 Storyboard:

1. Clarity and Focus: The A3 storyboard helps to clearly define the problem, ensuring that everyone involved has a shared understanding [1].
2. Visual Communication: By presenting information visually, it makes complex data more accessible and easier to understand [2].
3. Collaboration: The storyboard format encourages collaboration and communication among team members, fostering a collective approach to problem-solving [2] and shared learnings.
4. Systematic Approach: It provides a structured method for addressing problems, ensuring that all aspects are considered and nothing is overlooked [1].
5. Continuous Improvement: The A3 process promotes a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging regular review and refinement of solutions [2].

In conclusion, the A3 storyboard is a powerful tool for summarizing results of projects.

Its structured and visual format helps teams to communicate effectively, systematically address challenges, and drive continuous improvement.

Consider using it in your work and projects by using an easy-to-follow A3 Storyboard Template.

References

[1] How to Start the A3 Problem-Solving Process

[2] A3 Problem-Solving - A Resource Guide - Lean Enterprise Institute

Deanna is Senior Process Improvement Consultant with Cancer Care Alberta's Quality, Safety and Practice Integration Team. Deanna is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Manager of Quality and Organization Excellence with over 15 years of experience in healthcare improvement.