Dhruv Mittal

• A3 Thinking is a problem-solving method for Lean Manufacturing. • It uses a single A3 sized paper to document the process. • The A3 report helps solve problems step-by-step, from finding the issue to fixing it. • It encourages teamwork, clear communication, and deep analysis. • By using an A3 report, everyone involved understands the problem and the solutions, making it easier to implement the fix.

Equip yourself with problem-solving tools for Lean Manufacturing: * Use Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to see the big picture. * VSM tracks how materials and information flow in production. * Map everything from getting materials to delivering the product. * Find waste like delays, unnecessary steps, and activities that don't add value. * Fix these wastes to make your process smoother and faster. * VSM helps you prevent problems before they happen.

* Plan: Identify what needs improvement and figure out how to change it. * Do: Try the changes on a small scale. * Check: See if the changes actually work. * Act: Make the changes permanent if they work, or try again if they don't.

* Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa or Cause and Effect Diagram) helps find causes of problems. * Draw a box with the problem and branch out lines like fish bones. * List possible causes on the branches. * Use categories like methods, machinery, materials, and people to organize causes. * This helps consider all factors and avoid missing anything.

* 5 Whys: A Tool to Find Root Cause of Problems: * Ask "Why" repeatedly to dig deeper into a problem. * Don't stop at 5 exactly, keep going until you find the core issue. * Fix the root cause to prevent the problem from happening again.

* Results oriented: Set clear goals and achieve them * Efficient worker: Get things done without wasting time or resources * Lean understanding: Applies Lean principles to everyday work