Problem-solving
Not just solving problems – but resolving them sustainably
Your current situation:
❌ Same problems keep cropping up.
❌ Root causes remain unclear.
❌ Departments pass the responsibility to one another.
❌ Solutions end up as nothing more than good intentions – or get filed away.
Whilst 8D reports primarily follow a systematic approach to responding to complaints, an A3 report represents a general approach to improvement. Fundamentally, however, both aim to solve problems and address their root causes. And both describe a problem, investigate its causes, define measures for improvement and track the implementation or realisation of these measures.
The approach:
Moderated problem-solving workshops (including those on 8D and A3 processes) that not only solve problems but also raise awareness of their root causes and prevent them from persisting or recurring.
The result:
✅ Significantly higher quality of problem-solving
✅ Optimised lead times and processes
✅ Prevention of recurring errors
✅ Better preparation for customer and certification audits
Free quick assessment – select your topic:
🔹 Problem-solving check
🔹 FMEA review
8D report
North American approach – highly process-oriented, document-heavy, often top-down.
8D is:
- specific to acute errors (suitable for complex, critical problems)
- formal, linear and detailed (cross-functional)
- distinguishes between immediate, corrective and preventive actions
- primarily used to resolve quality issues
A3 Report
Japanese approach – emphasises simplicity, visual storytelling and respect for staff (e.g. ‘Genchi Genbutsu’ = ‘Go and see for yourself’) .
A3 is:
- widely applicable (including for non-technical topics)
- agile, iterative and communicative (well-suited to day-to-day problems and rapid, team-oriented solutions)
- emphasises visualisation and Lean principles.
- primarily used for process optimisation and strategic issues (e.g. efficiency, waste reduction, new workflows)
A3 Reporting – One sheet, all the facts