The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is an interactive problem-solving strategy to improve processes and implement change. It is a method for continuous improvement and is an ongoing feedback loop for iterations and process improvements.
The PDCA cycle has four stages:
- Plan — determine goals for a process and needed changes to achieve them.
- Do — implement the changes.
- Check — evaluate the results in terms of performance.
- Act — standardize and stabilize the change or begin the cycle again, depending on the results
In the Plan stage of the PDCA cycle, the purpose is to determine the goals for a process and identify the changes needed to achieve them. This involves recognizing an opportunity or a risk and planning a change. This stage is crucial for setting the foundation for the rest of the cycle.
In the Do stage of the PDCA cycle, the changes planned in the previous stage are implemented. This involves carrying out a small-scale study to test the change. This stage is important for putting the plan into action and seeing how it works in practice.
In the Check stage of the PDCA cycle, the results of the changes implemented in the Do stage are evaluated. This involves reviewing the test, analyzing the results, and identifying what has been learned. This stage is important for understanding the impact of the changes and determining if they were successful.
In the Act stage of the PDCA cycle, action is taken based on what was learned in the Check stage. If the change was successful, it can be incorporated into wider changes and standardized. If the change was not successful, the cycle can begin again with a different plan. This stage is important for making continuous improvements and ensuring that the changes are stable.