problem solving project template

Continuous Improvement Toolkit

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A3 Problem Solving Template

A3 thinking is a logical and structured approach to problem solving adopted by Lean organizations around the world. It can be used for most kinds of problems and in any part of the business. This A3 template uses a four stages model that is based on the PDCA management philosophy. It makes the problem-solving progress visible to the entire team while allowing the lessons to be learned by others.

This template is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can use and modify to meet your specific requirements. For example, you may expand the implementation or follow-up plans by increasing the number of rows. The template is available in two variations: a user-friendly straightforward version, and a more detailed one that requires providing in-depth information.

A3 Template (32 KB)

A3 Template – Simple (216 KB)

A3 Template – Detailed (340 KB)

Related Templates

Written by:

CIToolkit Content Team

Lean Events and Training / Forms and Templates

Forms and Templates

Downloads for A3 problem solving, standard work , project management, and value stream mapping .

Problem Solving Templates

A3 Action Plan Form (from Getting the Right Things Done)

The action plan template helps define the who, what, when, where, and how of a plan on one page.
Helps track progress and highlight problems so action can be taken.

A3 Status Review Form (from Getting the Right Things Done)

Top box provides an overview with respect to our critical end-of-pipe metrics.
Second box provides an overview of activities, and usually reflects what’s been prescribed on the action plan of the right side of the strategy A3.

A3 Strategy Form (from Getting the Right Things Done)

A strategy A3 is a one-page storyboard on 11-inch by 17-inch paper that helps tell the strategy “story.”
Logic flows from top left to bottom right, and each box leads to the next one.

Detailed A3 Template (from Managing to Learn)

Print this A3 template out to remind you of each section of the problem-solving A3 as you are creating your own.

PDSA A3 Template (from On the Mend)

A3 Template, in Excel, following the PDSA cycle.

Problem Definition Worksheet

This worksheet can help you breakdown the problem into a clearly defined gap as well as see how the problem aligns to the needs of the business or your True North purpose.

Root Cause Template

This template gives you space to record the problem as well as the direct causes and underlying causes.

Four Types of Problems

Art Smalley

Managing to Learn: Using the A3 management process

Perfecting Patient Journeys

Beau Keyte , Tom Shuker and Judy Worth

Getting the Right Things Done

Pascal Dennis

Standard Work Templates

Standard Work Operator Balance Chart (OBC)

The operator balance chart helps create continuous flow in a multi-step, multi-operator process by distributing operator work elements in relation to takt time.

Standard Work Process Study Sheet

The Process Study Sheet is used to define and record the time for work elements in a process.

Standard Work Production Analysis Board

A Production Analysis Board is a display that must be located at the exit of the cell (or the line) to show actual performance compared with planned performance on an hourly basis.

Standard Work Skills Training Matrix

The Skills Training Matrix shows the required and attained skills of every operator.
The training schedule also should be shown.

Standardized Work Chart

The standardized work chart shows operator movement and material location in relation to the machine and overall process layout.
It should show takt time, work sequence, and standard WIP.

Standardized Work Combination Table

The standardized work combination table shows the combination of manual work time, walk time, and machine processing time for each operation in a production sequence.
This form is a more precise process design tool than the Operator Balance Chart.
It can be very helpful to identify the waste of waiting and overburden, and to confirm standard.

Standardized Work Job Instruction Sheet

The job instruction sheet is used to train new operations.
It lists the steps of the job, detailing any special knack that may be required to perform the job safely with utmost quality and efficiency.
It can also be useful for experienced operators to reconfirm the right operations.

Waste Walk Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

Standardized Work Process Capacity Sheet

The Process Capacity Chart is used to calculate the capacity of each machine to confirm true capacity and to identify and eliminate bottlenecks.
Processing capacity per shift will be calculated from the available production time, completion time, and tool-change time (and other factors as necessary) for each work piece.

Waste Walk Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

Taking a “waste walk” is one way to make the waste visible again.
A waste walk is simply a planned visit to where work is being performed to observe what’s happening and to note the waste. It differs from go-see activities in that you are specifically looking for waste.

Kaizen Express

Toshiko Narusawa and John Shook

Lean Lexicon 5th Edition

Lean Enterprise Institute

Training Within Industry (TWI) Templates and Downloads

8-step TWI problem solving card - as presented by IBM

8-steps to problem solving handy pocket card printable.

Solving Problems with TWI

Solving problems with TWI deployment graphic.

Template of Job Breakdown Sheet

Job breakdown sheets are created to list the steps and highlight the main factors or key points that go into completing a job.
It also provides reasons for these key points.

TWI Job Instruction Card

TWI Job Instruction card in a handy pocket printable.

TWI Job Methods Card

TWI Job Methods Card in a handy pocket printable.

TWI Job Relations Card

TWI Job Relations Card in a handy pocket printable.

Lean Solutions

James (Jim) Womack, PhD and Dan Jones

Lean Thinking, 2nd Edition

Project Management Templates

Master Schedule Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

Master Schedule and Action Plan Template for One Goal (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

Use this template in your project tracking center so you can track both goals and action items on the same form.

End of Project Review Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

The following template will help you capture your end-of-project reflections and make decisions about what to do next.

Master Schedule Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

This template will help you answer this question by letting you include the project goals with space to indicate whether each goal is on track as originally planned and whether the scheduled progress review has taken place.

Team Board Form (from Getting the Right Things Done)

A team board is a window on both routine and improvement work.
The board on this template addresses both daily production and strategic issues, and is organized according to SQDCM—safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale.

Value Proposition Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

Align the stakeholders around what will be included in addressing the problem,
Identify the stakeholders who will be added to the project team and actively engaged in creating the current- and future-state value-stream maps,
Identify additional stakeholders necessary to drive the implementation of the future state,
Serve as an agreement—a proof of consensus—on the specific problem to be solved, and with the problem statement serve as authorization for the entire project.

Action Planning Template (from Perfecting Patient Journeys)

Identify the specific changes that need to be made and translate those changes into clearly stated goals and actions (i.e., the means) to achieve those goals.
Identify the specific methods and action steps you think will help you achieve the goals. These action steps and targets constitute the action plan to achieve a specific goal.

Value-Stream Mapping Templates

Value-stream Mapping Icons for Excel

At the request of some of our readers we have posted the most commonly used mapping icons so that they can be downloaded for Excel spreadsheets.

Learning to See

Mike Rother and John Shook

VSM Getting Started Set

Lean Enterprise Institute , Mike Rother and John Shook

Mapping to See: Value-Stream Improvement Workshop

Beau Keyte , Jim Luckman , Kirk Paluska , Guy Parsons , John Shook , Tom Shuker and David Verble

Improvement Kata / Coaching Kata

Improvement Kata Learner's Storyboard

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10 Problem Statement Examples & Free Templates

Mackenzie Carter

Published on Sep 24, 2024, updated on Sep 24, 2024

A clear problem statement is the cornerstone of any successful project or initiative. It succinctly articulates the issue at hand, guiding stakeholders towards effective solutions. This article will explore the significance of crafting a robust problem statement and learn how free templates from Boardmix can streamline this crucial process.

Why is the Problem Statement Important?

In any project or research, defining a clear " problem statement " is a critical step. It helps understand the problem at hand, the scope of its impact, and the necessity of finding a solution. Here's why the problem statement is important:

1. Provides Direction

The problem statement acts as a compass that guides the course of your research or project. It defines what you need to accomplish, helping focus your efforts on specific goals and avoid getting sidetracked.

2. Sets the Scope

A well-crafted problem statement delineates the boundaries of your project or research. It helps determine what is included within the project scope and what falls outside of it.

3. Assists in Problem Solving

The first step in solving any problem is understanding it thoroughly, which is exactly what a problem statement does. By clearly defining the problem, it becomes easier to brainstorm effective solutions.

4. Facilitates Communication

The problem statement provides a clear explanation of the issue to all stakeholders involved, ensuring everyone has a shared understanding of what needs to be addressed.

5. Helps Measure Success

The problem statement sets a baseline against which you can measure the success of your solution. It allows you to evaluate whether or not the solution has effectively resolved the problem.

6. Aids in Decision Making

A clear problem statement can help you prioritize tasks and resources. By knowing exactly what problem you're trying to solve, you can make better decisions about where to invest your time and effort.

All in all, the importance of a problem statement lies in its ability to provide clarity, focus, and direction for your project or research. A well-defined problem statement is instrumental in developing effective solutions and ensuring successful project execution.

How to Use Free Templates to Craft Your Problem Statement

Boardmix is an efficient tool for managing projects, and it includes free templates to streamline various processes, including crafting a problem statement. Free problem statement templates can simplify the process and make it easier to craft your problem statement. Here's how you can leverage Boardmix's templates to create an effective problem statement:

1. Select the Right Template

Log into your Boardmix account and navigate to the templates section. Look for a problem statement template. Depending on your needs, you might prefer a template that is simple and concise or one that allows for more detailed information.

2. Understand the Template Structure

Typically, a Boardmix problem statement template will have the following sections:

Description of the Issue

Impact of the Problem

Background or Context

Problem Specifics

Goals/Objectives

Proposed Solutions or Hypothesis

Ensure you understand what each section requires, and how it contributes to the comprehensive picture of your problem statement.

3. Fill in the Template

Once you've selected your template, start filling it out:

Description of the Issue: Here, state your problem clearly and concisely.

Impact of the Problem: Explain how this problem affects stakeholders or the overall project.

Background or Context: Provide any relevant information that offers more depth to your problem.

Problem Specifics: Here, you can include numerical data or specific observations about the problem.

Goals/Objectives: Clearly state what you hope to achieve by addressing this problem.

Proposed Solutions or Hypothesis: If applicable, share your initial ideas for solving the problem or any hypotheses that you plan to test.

4. Review Your Problem Statement

After filling out the template, take some time to review your problem statement. Make sure it's concise and communicates the issue at hand. If any part of the statement seems vague or unnecessary, refine it for clarity and relevance.

5. Share for Feedback

Boardmix allows for collaborative work. Share your draft problem statement with your team members or stakeholders for feedback. Their insights can help refine your problem statement and ensure it is accurate and comprehensive.

10 Practical and Effective Problem Statement Examples

The key to crafting an effective problem statement is to strike a balance between specificity and brevity. Below are ten practical examples of problem statements that clearly define a particular issue, its impact, and the need for a solution.

1. Traffic Congestion

"During peak hours, the traffic congestion in City X increases travel time by 60%, causing commuter frustration and affecting overall productivity."

2. Customer Retention

"Our software company has witnessed a 25% decline in customer retention over the last quarter, indicating potential issues with product satisfaction or customer service."

3. Pollution

"Over the past five years, City Y's air pollution levels have doubled, exacerbating public health risks and hindering sustainable development."

4. Cybersecurity

"With the increasing incidences of cyber threats in our organization, there is a need to enhance our cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data."

5. High Employee Turnover

"High employee turnover within our sales department is resulting in lower team morale and increased training costs."

6. Lack of Clean Water

"Community Z lacks reliable access to clean water, compromising residents' health and well-being."

7. Slow Website Speed

"Our e-commerce website's slow loading speed is causing a high bounce rate, which may lead to potential loss of sales."

8. Poor Communication

"Cross-departmental communication in our organization is inefficient, leading to project delays and decreased productivity."

9. Decreased Market Share

"Our company's market share in the organic food industry has decreased by 15% over the past year due to increasing competition."

10. Low Literacy Rates

"The literacy rate in Region Q is significantly lower than the national average, restricting economic growth and individual progress."

Each of these problem statements successfully pinpoints a specific problem, presents measurable details of its impact, and underscores the importance of finding a solution. By following these examples, you can craft a problem statement that will guide your project or research toward effective problem-solving.

Key Elements of a Well-Crafted Problem Statement

A well-crafted **problem statement** acts as a guide for your research or project, helping maintain focus and drive toward effective solutions. Here are the key elements that make up a robust problem statement:

1. Concise Description of the Issue

A problem statement should begin with a clear and succinct description of the issue. This helps establish an immediate understanding of the problem at hand.

2. Explanation of the Problem's Impact

Highlighting the problem's impact helps stakeholders grasp the gravity of the situation. This element explains why it is crucial to address the issue and outlines the consequences of ignoring it.

3. Context and Background

It's important to provide relevant context or background information that sheds light on the problem. This might include details about its origins, previous attempts at resolution, or the current circumstances surrounding it.

4. Problem Specifics

Delineate specific aspects of the problem in a tangible, measurable way. This could include numerical data, timelines, or qualitative details that help illustrate the problem's size and scope.

5. Goal Statement

Outline what you hope to achieve by solving the problem. This forms a critical part of the problem statement as it provides a target to aim for, helping measure progress and success.

6. Hypothesis or Proposed Solution

Although not always required, some problem statements may include a preliminary hypothesis or proposed solution. This provides an initial direction for the investigation or project.

Remember, an effective problem statement is clear, concise, and focused. It sets the stage for the entire project or research by defining its purpose, guiding its trajectory, and establishing measures for success. Ensuring these key elements are present will help create a well-defined, effective problem statement.

In conclusion, the strength of a problem statement lies in its clarity, specificity, and focus on the issue at hand. Harnessing the power of well-crafted problem statements with free templates from Boardmix, you can empower your projects with clarity and direction, utilizing practical examples and key elements to drive meaningful solutions and achieve your objectives. With Boardmix's free problem statement templates , crafting a compelling problem statement becomes an organized and efficient process. Start and give it a try!