A3 Dojo: Share and Discuss A3s with Other Lean Thinkers

Message: HI Dave,
I know companies may label an A3 differently than I do. When you refer to a Hoshin X Matrix are you referring to an example of a Strategic (Hoshin) Planning level A3? One that is a higher level A3 that sets and Ideal versus Current State. Is that what you are looking? Tracey

Message: Yes, a higher level A3, but there is also a specific design called an X matrix that I would like to experiment with.

Message: Thanks for clarifying Dave, Im not familiar with that particular design. I use the PDCA thinking format for Strategy, Problem Solving, Proposal, and Status A3's. Maybe others will chime in that may have an example of what you are asking for in particular. Or if you can send me the template to my email - traceyr@gmail.com then maybe I can see what you are referring to. I would also be happy to send my example as well. Tracey

Message: Update --Dave we are currently looking for you an example. Tracey

Message: Dave,

I can share our current evolution of thought on this process. This year we will be using a combination of deployment A3's for initiative development and then we track our monthly progress using an X-matrix with a bowling chart integrated. Our sources of inspiration have been coaching from Mark Hamel (Kaizen Event Fieldbook) and Pascal Dennis' "Getting the Right Things Done".

We plan to use our X-matrix as a way of limiting the initiative WIP as well keeping a balanced effort across all our focus areas (SQDPeD). As part of our reflection on the previous year, we put too much on the plate each year-we're hoping this limit on WIP (kind of like personal kanban) will help us focus and work on turning initiatives faster (better flow :-).

Message: Dear Dave,

I will shortly make a new posting to the A3Dojo to share an X-matrix example and template separately.

I call the X-matrix an A3X, to distinguish it from a strategy A3, which is essentially a team charter all on one page. The A3X is used to integrate multiple strategy A3s, which I call A3Ts (T stands for Team Charter).

The Japanese quality sensei Ryuji Fukuda (father of CEDAC or Cause and Effect Diagram with the Addition of Cards) is the source of the X-matrix used in the United States. Fukuda calls his version a Policies and Objectives or P/O Matrix (and yes it's printed on A3 size paper). You'll find many good examples of the X-matrix in Fukuda's book, Building Organizational Fitness (Productivity Press). In Fukuda's world, the P/O Matrix is used to integrate and track multiple CEDAC projects of strategic importance. Viewed as an information processing structure, Fukuda's integration of CEDAC projects is identical to the integration of strategy A3s by means of an A3X.

Message: Dave,

Please see my latest post (September 9), which includes my X-matrix template plus instructions.