Plan-Do-Check-Act, or PDCA, is a part of continuous improvement programs at companies of all sizes because it’s effective and gets results. You might already use PDCA and not realize it. If you don’t use PDCA you should consider it because you can improve processes quickly and easily.
What is PDCA?
PDCA is a cyclical process that allows continuous evaluation and experimentation to improve processes. It can help you reduce waste in your business.
The PDCA process is simple since it requires no special software and doesn’t require special knowledge or training. PDCA is like the scientific method applied to business processes.
- PLAN:
- Identify a process to be improved. (Using a dashboard is a good way to quickly prioritize areas needing improvement)
- Collect baseline data regarding the current process performance.
- Lay out a proposed experiment.
- DO:
- Perform the experiment.
- Document key information along the way.
- CHECK:
- Compare the experimental data to the baseline data.
- Determine if the experiment had the desired effect.
- ACT:
- Implement the new & improved process.
- – or –
- Choose a different experiment to conduct. Consider your learnings from earlier experiments.
Is PDCA Right For Your Organization?
Since PDCA is a basic component of continuous improvement, if you have a formal continuous improvement program, you probably already use PDCA.
However, if you don’t have a formal program, PDCA is an easy way to start making positive changes in your business.
For larger businesses or those with more resources, there are more useful continuous improvement techniques that will save time by getting greater results sooner than PDCA. This is because PDCA tends to provide incremental improvements without a true understanding of process capability. But if you don’t have a continuous improvement program, PDCA is better than nothing.
Now What?
Examine the use of PDCA in your business. If you’re not using PDCA, try it today.
If you need help with PDCA (or your continuous improvement efforts), feel free to reach out to discuss your needs.