PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)

What is PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)?

The PDCA cycle, also known as the Deming cycle or the Shewhart cycle, is a continuous process improvement model that consists of four stages: Plan, Do, Check, and Act. It is a systematic approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement that is designed to help organizations identify problems, test solutions, and implement improvements.

The four stages of the PDCA cycle are:

1. Plan: In this stage, the problem or opportunity is identified and a plan is developed to address it. This may involve defining the problem, gathering data, and identifying potential solutions.
2. Do: In this stage, the plan is implemented and the solution is tested. This may involve piloting the solution on a small scale or conducting experiments to gather data.
3. Check: In this stage, the results of the solution are evaluated and any necessary adjustments are made. This may involve analyzing data, reviewing feedback, and comparing the results to the original goals.
4. Act: In this stage, the solution is implemented on a larger scale and any necessary changes are made to processes or procedures to ensure that the improvement is sustained.

The PDCA cycle is an iterative process that can be repeated as needed to continuously improve processes and outcomes. It is often used in combination with other process improvement tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma and Lean.