Free Excel A3 Templates: Process, Problem-Solving, and Strategy

By Lulu Richter | July 29, 2024

Below, you’ll find the most effective A3 templates in Excel for structured problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Included in this article, you’ll find the following:

Excel A3 Problem-Solving Template

Excel A3 Problem Solving Template

Download the A3 Problem-Solving Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: This template is akin to Toyota's Lean manufacturing-related A3 reports, which follow the Japanese business philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement. Use this template to address a specific problem or to identify opportunities for continuous, incremental improvements.

Notable Template Features: This template provides sections for describing a problem, its current and target states, its planned countermeasures, and an implementation plan. The template combines preformatted tables with blank space for adding visual charts and other documentation. A fillable fishbone diagram aids in root cause analysis.

Excel A3 Proposal Template

Excel A3 Proposal Template

Download the A3 Proposal Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: Choose this A3 template when proposing a new project, process change, or initiative.

Notable Template Features: This template covers the background, current situation, recommendations, implementation plan, and evaluation criteria to help you articulate the need for change and the expected outcomes. 

Excel A3 Status Report Template

Excel A3 Status Report Template

Download the A3 Status Report Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: Use this A3 status report template for periodic updates on ongoing projects or initiatives in order to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.

Notable Template Features: This template allows you to add visuals and tables, so you can document issues and risks, required resources, and next steps. Create a summary report of the current status, metrics, accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned.

Excel A3 Strategic Planning Template

Excel A3 Strategic Planning Template

Download the A3 Strategic Planning Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: Use this A3 strategic planning template to align your organizational strategy with actionable plans, focusing on long-term goals.

Notable Template Features: With a layout similar to a business model canvas, this template supports higher-level planning, with sections for current state and gap analysis, strategic initiatives, action plans, and follow-up. Insert your own visuals to illustrate your analysis and create a comprehensive A3 report.

Excel A3 DMAIC Project Template

Excel A3 DMAIC Project Template

Download the A3 DMAIC Project Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: This A3 template is designed for Six Sigma projects that utilize the DMAIC methodology to improve processes and solve problems.

Notable Template Features: This template is organized around the five DMAIC phases: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. The template walks users through each stage of process improvement, from defining the problem statement and objectives to analyzing the root cause, proposing solutions, and pursuing follow-up measures.

Use one of these templates to write a problem statement.

Excel Lean A3 DMAIC Template

Excel Lean A3 DMAIC Template

Download the Lean A3 DMAIC Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: Use this Lean A3 DMAIC template for complex process improvements, projects involving multiple departments or teams, long-term projects, and data-driven initiatives requiring meticulous documentation and tracking.

Notable Template Features: This template combines an A3 DMAIC report with a Gantt chart, so you can visualize the timeline, track progress, and manage dependencies and milestones across the DMAIC project phases. The A3 report includes planned start and end dates for each DMAIC phase, as well as space for visual elements such as process maps, data collection plans, root cause analysis, and other supporting charts and data. 

Excel A3 Action Plan Template

Excel A3 Action Plan Template

Download the A3 Action Plan Template for Excel

When to Use This Template: When implementing actions or projects to reach shorter-term goals, choose this tactical A3 action plan to outline and manage the necessary steps.

Notable Template Features: This template offers a simple layout for adding detailed steps, timelines, responsibilities, and resources, so you can achieve a particular objective. Sections include background information, measurable targets, an action plan, and an evaluation of outcomes. The action plan allows you to manage risk by providing strategies for mitigating potential obstacles.

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