Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle
PDCA ("Plan-Do-Check-Act") is an iterative four-step
problem-solving process typically used in business process improvement. It
is also known as the Deming Cycle, Shewhart cycle, Deming Wheel, or
Plan-Do-Study-Act.
PLAN
- Establish the objectives and processes
necessary to deliver results in accordance with the expected
output
- Make the expected output the focus
- Align Plans to business outcomes
- Design processes with Business Effectiveness,
Efficiency and Economy in mind
DO
- Implement the new processes
- Manage the new processes to ensure that they
are working according to the Plan
- Note: The Plan may be faulty!
CHECK (STUDY)
- Measure the new processes
- Compare the results against the expected
results with industry or corporate norms
- Determine any differences
- Analyze the differences using statistical
methods
- Identify potential Problems
ACT
- Identify the Problem
- Establish the probable Root Cause(s) to the
Problem
- Investigate and Diagnose the Root Cause
- Determine the Solution(s) for the Root Cause
- Evaluate the "best" feasible Solution to
resolve the Problem
The concept of PDCA comes out of the Scientific
Method, as developed from the work of Francis Bacon.
Shewhart described manufacturing under "control" -
under statistical control - as a three step process of
specification, production, and inspection. Shewhart says that the
statistician "must help to change the demand [for goods] by
showing...how to close up the tolerance range and to improve the
quality of goods."
Deming shortened the steps to the now traditional
Plan, Do, Check, Act. Deming preferred Plan, Do, Study, Act because
'Study' has connotations in English closer to Shewhart's intent than
"Check."
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