The Strategic A3 supports the periodic Hoshin Kanri process. In it, objectives, by 2 management layers together each time, are cross functionally translated into activities for the usually coming year.

In the back of the book Managing to Learn (John Shook, 2016), you will find an appendix, which explains for each section from the A3 what questions you might answer if you want to make a change or improvement.

An A3 is a powerful tool for problem solving, improvement and getting things done. One piece of paper the size of an A3 demonstrates having completed the entire PDCA cycle.

The Process Study Sheet writes down how the work can be divided into the various work elements. Then you can note observed times actually required for each individual work element.

A Job Breakdown Sheet helps you in describing the work. You break the work down into key steps (what), name the areas of concern from the standpoint of safety, quality, or speed/handiness (how), and explain the reasons why.

The Skill matrix shows the required and current skills of each operator. It also displays the schedule of training sessions.

In the Work Elements sheet note down all aspects of the task as it is currently performed, you write down all special/noteworthy things and you question everything using 5W1H. Then you can apply ECRS - Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, Simplify.

The Standardized Work Chart shows the movements of. the operator and the location of the material in relation to the machine and the overall layout of the work area. This form should show the branch time, cycle time, work sequence and standard work in progress.

The Standardized Work Combination Table shows the combination of. manual work time, run time and machine operation time for each activity in the order of execution.

An Operator Balance Chart provides a picture of the distribution of work among operators in relation to branch time, based on real data observed and recorded in person.