The A3 technique was originally created by Toyota as a problem solving method. The name A3 comes from the fact that when the process is complete, all of the relevant information can fit on a standard A3 size piece of paper.

While the A3 technique was originally designed for problem solving during manufacturing, it can also be a valuable tool for risk management. The A3 technique can be used to guide the risk management process and ensure that all critical information is captured in a concise manner. Below is an example of analyzing a category 5 hurricane risk event using the A3 technique:

So, you have identified a risk in your organization or project ... now what?  When a risk is identified there are four strategies you can use to address it.  The strategies can be remembered using the acronym ACAT:

1. Avoid
2. Control
3. Accept
4. Transfer