Continuous Improvement Through PDCA

Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle (PDCA): This is more of a quality methodology that employs a four-step model, which seeks continuous improvement by combining constant evaluation of management policy and procedures with statistical analysis. The PDCA model was developed by Dr. Walter A. Shewhart and was later refined by the good doctor’s most famous student; W. Edwards Deming. PDCA can be used in a variety of situations, for example, when beginning improvement projects, developing a new or improved process, product or service, defining a repetitive work process, performing root cause analysis, or implementing any change.

The process-based quality management systems prescribed by ISO are also based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act model, and this methodology can apply to any industry in both manufacturing and service business sectors.

PDCA

  • Plan: Identifying a goal or purpose, formulating a theory, defining success metrics and putting a plan into action
  • Do: Action or implementation of the plan
  • Check: Outcomes are monitored to test the validity of the plan for signs of progress and success, or problems and areas for improvement
  • Act: Closes the cycle, integrating the learning generated by the entire process, which can be used to adjust the goal, change methods or even reformulate a new theory altogether

 

These four PDCA steps are repeated over and over as part of a never-ending cycle of continuous improvement.

 

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