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Toyota Business Practice (TBP) Problem Solving Training
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Description
Toyota Business Practice (TBP) Problem Solving
Problem Solving as Daily Work
In a Lean environment, problem solving is not an exception — it is daily practice. Any gap between the current situation
and the ideal situation is seen as an opportunity to improve.
The focus is never on who caused the problem, but on why the problem exists.
Only by identifying the true root cause can a structural and sustainable solution be implemented.
The Role of Problem Solving in Kaizen
Toyota Business Practice (TBP) Problem Solving is a foundation of Kaizen — continuous improvement through small,
step-by-step advances starting at the shop floor.
This approach helps organizations to:
- Detect gaps between current and ideal situations across the workplace
- Actively involve employees in improvement
- Build motivation and ownership for better results
- Create continuous improvement as a company-wide culture
Eliminating Waste and Creating Customer Value
Problem solving in a Lean context is always linked to process improvement and value creation for the customer.
Anything that does not add value is considered waste (muda) and must be identified and eliminated.
This mindset applies in both profit and non-profit organizations — across manufacturing, office/service,
and healthcare environments.
Leadership, Gemba and Coaching
In Lean organizations, leaders spend significant time at the Gemba — the place where value is created.
Their role is not to provide answers, but to coach employees toward strong problem analysis and effective countermeasures.
Toyota Business Practice supports leaders to ensure problems are handled:
- At the right level
- By the right people
- Using the right method
The Toyota Business Practice Method
During this training, participants learn to tackle structural problems using the 8-step Toyota Business Practice method.
This method is executed through PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act).
PDCA provides the discipline to:
- Analyze the problem and understand its nature
- Identify the true root cause
- Test countermeasures before full implementation
- Implement and standardize improvements sustainably
A3 Thinking and Learning from Toyota Practice
The A3 analysis and reporting method is used throughout the training to structure thinking, build consensus,
and successfully complete the PDCA cycle. It is a powerful instrument for continuous improvement in both profit and non-profit organizations.
Participants learn these principles directly from a former Toyota Motor Europe Master Trainer, who connects theory and practice
through extensive real-world experience. Optional individual offline coaching can be provided after the training to support application.
Prerequistes
Basic knowledge about Lean/TPS as a business strategy
Benefits
After this training, participants are able to apply Toyota Business Practice (TBP) Problem Solving in a practical,
efficient and disciplined way—turning recurring issues into sustainable improvements.
- Work through the 8-step Toyota Business Practice method to tackle problems in a structured way in your own work environment
- Reframe problems as opportunities and make problem solving part of daily work
- Engage employees as a central part of the method—because their insight is critical to solving work-related issues effectively
- Strengthen fact-based analysis, root cause thinking and the discipline to follow through
Our trainers come from industry and bring extensive Lean experience. The training combines academic fundamentals with real-life practice through
in-depth examples, challenging case studies and hands-on exercises that test application—not just understanding.
Content
Training Content – Day 1
Introduction to Toyota Business Practice (TBP)
The training starts with a clear introduction to Toyota Business Practice (TBP) and its role within the Lean way of working.
Participants learn how Toyota uses TBP as a structured method to tackle problems and how it forms the foundation of A3 thinking.
We explore how PDCA thinking is embedded in Toyota Business Practice and how this disciplined approach supports sustainable improvement.
The 8-Step Toyota Business Practice Method
Participants gain a detailed understanding of the 8-step Toyota Business Practice methodology and learn how each step contributes
to effective problem solving.
- What the 8 steps are and how they are logically connected
- How to apply the steps effectively in real work situations
- Illustration of the method using a practical, realistic example
A3 Thinking and Documentation
The A3 document is introduced as a central thinking, analysis and communication tool within Toyota Business Practice.
- How the A3 is structured
- How it supports PDCA thinking and consensus building
- How it is used as a living document throughout the problem-solving process
Exercise & Case Study
Participants work in groups on a hands-on case study to practice Toyota Business Practice Problem Solving.
- Applying the 8-step Toyota Business Practice method
- Analyzing a real-life problem using PDCA
- Creating a concise and visual A3 document as output
Tips, Pitfalls & Practical Guidance
The day concludes with practical insights based on real Toyota and industry experience.
- Common pitfalls when applying Toyota Business Practice
- Typical mistakes in A3 problem solving
- Practical tips to improve effectiveness and follow-through
Optional individual offline coaching is available after the training to support application in the participant’s own work environment.
Target Audience
Offices & Services
This training is ideal for professionals who want to improve administrative and service processes using a structured Lean approach.
- Middle and senior managers
- Office managers and team leaders
- Process owners and improvement leads
- Professionals aiming to apply Toyota Business Practice (TBP) Problem Solving to administrative workflows
Healthcare
Designed for healthcare professionals who want to improve care delivery and organizational performance through Lean thinking.
- Department heads and unit managers
- Quality, safety and prevention managers
- Healthcare leaders responsible for performance improvement
- Professionals applying Toyota Business Practice Problem Solving to patient care and hospital processes
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Targeted at professionals who want to drive operational excellence by embedding structured problem solving in daily operations.
- Managers and operational leaders
- Continuous Improvement and Lean leads
- Engineers and supply chain professionals
- Motivated employees ready to improve efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction using Lean and Toyota Business Practice
Testimonials
Trainers
JAN HERMANS
Former HR Manager and Master Trainer Toyota Motor Europe N.V.
Jan is a master trainer for all Toyota Global Content training courses, including PDCA, Performance Management, A3 Consensus Building & Communication, and Problem Solving. Jan was a Management & Leadership Development specialist at Toyota Motor Europe. He currently serves on the board of directors of a Dutch company.
Certification
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance
Cost - Subsidies
Registration Fee
695,- ex VAT
The course fee includes handouts of all training materials, a light meal and drinks.
Discount
A 5% discount will be applied to the second employee of the same organization to enroll in the same training. A 10% reduction on the registration fee will be given to the third person. All subsequent participants will receive 15% reduction.
Subsidies Belgium
This training is supported by the Flemish Government for SMEs. (KMO Portefeuille)
For Belgian companies in food industry: we are a registered training provider. Please indicate on the registration form if you wish to request the support of Alimento.
Optional
Coaching
We also offer optional one-on-one offline coaching after the training. The cost is 400 euros (excluding VAT) for 4 sessions, each lasting 30 minutes.
Please indicate on the registration form if you wish to register for the optional coaching.
TBP is a highly practical approach that enhances your problem-solving skills, enabling you to drive improvements within your organization effectively.
Upcoming Sessions
Toyota Business Practice (TBP) Problem Solving
Language: NL
Price: €695,00 – ex VAT
When & where
Roosenberg Waasmunster (BE)
Thursday 26 March 2026 · 13.30 – 20.30
What to expect
One-day practical training on Toyota Business Practice problem solving,
focused on A3 thinking, PDCA and root-cause analysis.
Optional
Individual offline coaching available after the training to support
application in your own work environment.
Toyota Business Practice (TBP) Problem Solving
Language: NL
Price: €695,00 – ex VAT
When & where
Roosenberg Waasmunster (BE)
Tuesday 01 September 2026 · 13.30 – 20.30
What to expect
One-day practical training on Toyota Business Practice problem solving,
focused on A3 thinking, PDCA and root-cause analysis.
Optional
Individual offline coaching available after the training to support
application in your own work environment.
Interested in an In-House training?
This program can also be organized in-house for your company.
Tailor the training to your team’s specific needs and schedule.
Get in touch with us to explore the possibilities.
Waiting List
Contact
Feel free to contact us for questions related to our training. You can also check out our FAQ. Are you looking for in-company training?
Drop us a message on academy@vangoubergen.com and we will get back to you.