Value Stream Map

A value stream map (VSM) is a tool used to document the flow of products or services through a system.  The VSM differentiates the value-adding activities of a system from the non-value-adding ones.  Recording the time taken for each activity shows what percentage of valuable time an object or person spends in a system.  Any non-value-adding time indicates an opportunity for possible improvement within the system.

A3 Report

 The A3 report is a tool used for problem solving in the course of work.  The report embodies an effective problem-solving approach, while succinctly documenting the problem-solving activities for future reference, learning, and accreditation.  The steps used to draft a report are:  identify a problem, understand the current condition, determine the root cause, develop a target condition, design an implementation plan, and create a follow-up plan.  These steps are all written or drawn (not typed) out on one 11" x 17" sheet of paper.  The A3 problem-solving approach begins the application of the 4 Rules in Use to a system.

The name "A3" refers to the size of paper on which the report is written (metric equivalent to 11" x 17").