The PDCA Cycle, standing for Plan-Do-Check-Act, is a robust framework that has underpinned continuous improvement initiatives across industries for nearly a century. Developed by statistician Walter A. Shewhart and later refined and popularized by W. Edwards Deming, this iterative method fosters a culture of quality and efficiency. By methodically following its four stages: Plan, Do, Check, Act businesses can progressively refine processes, enhance products, and elevate operational performance. The cycle’s elegance lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide array of projects from process enhancement to product development.
The PDCA Cycle is a methodical approach used in continuous improvement businesses. PDCA stands for the steps in the method, which are Plan, Do, Check and Act (sometimes called Adjust).
The PDCA cycle was originally developed by A. Shewhart who was a statistician at Bell Telephone Laboratories. Shewhart was known as a pioneer in the field of quality management and is also referred to as the father of statistical quality control. He developed the concept of the PDCA cycle in the 1920s as a model for continuous improvement, emphasizing the importance of using data to make informed decisions.
Following this the model gained traction when W. Edwards Deming expanded on Shewhart’s ideas, popularized the PDCA cycle, and also started to be known as the Deming Cycle. Deming was an American engineer, statistician, and management consultant who worked in Japan following World War 2. Deming’s success is attributed to his teachings on the PDCA cycle in Japan and the use of PDCA in Japanese manufacturing.
The PDCA cycle is quite versatile and can be applied in a range of projects, particularly those that involve:
In general, for Lean Six Sigma the PDCA cycle is more ideal for small projects that lack complexity and dont need to be broken down into smaller steps like DMAIC, 8D and A3 offer. PDCA projects are usually used where smaller teams can address the problem.
The PDCA Cycle is a four-step systematic method used to continually improve processes and products. Let’s look into the four components in more detail
The planning phase is about setting the foundations of what you want to achieve and creating the road map of how to get there.
Within this stage, you will generally do the following:
The next step is the Do phase; this is where the plan is put into action. This should be done cautiously to limit disruptions in case the plan does not have the expected results.
Within this stage, you will generally do the following:
This phase is where you review the data collected during the trial and determine if the changes made led to an improvement.
Within this stage, you will generally do the following:
Based on the results of the Check phase, you will take action.
Within this stage, you will generally do the following:
The PDCA Cycle is a good example of the power of iterative learning and improvement. From its inception by Shewhart to its widespread adoption due to Deming’s advocacy, it has become a key tool of operational excellence.
Through careful planning, disciplined execution, rigorous checking, and decisive action, PDCA enables organizations to drive change effectively and sustain improvements. Its cyclical nature ensures that continuous improvement is not a one-time event but a perpetual journey, always seeking the next enhancement. Whether for small-scale changes or significant transformations, PDCA stands as a useful tool in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, guiding teams toward higher standards of quality and efficiency.
PDSA: Some organizations use a slightly different version known as PDSA, which stands for Plan, Do, Study, Act. The “Study” phase encourages a more in-depth analysis than a simple “Check,” emphasizing learning from the outcomes.
OPDCA: Another variation includes an additional step—Observe. This five-step model (Observe, Plan, Do, Check, Act) places emphasis on observing the current state before planning changes, offering a more comprehensive overview of the situation.
Context-Specific: Different variations may be more suitable depending on the complexity and nature of the process you are aiming to improve.
Enhanced Focus: Additional steps like “Observe” or “Study” can provide deeper insights and a more nuanced understanding of the process.
PDCA can be seamlessly integrated with other continuous improvement frameworks and methodologies such as:
Lean Six Sigma: PDCA can be used within the DMAIC model as a tool for iterative testing and validation during the Improve phase.
Kaizen: Kaizen events often use the PDCA cycle to test and implement quick, incremental changes.
A: PDCA stands for Plan-Do-Check-Act, which is a four-step iterative management method used for continuous improvement.
A: The purpose of PDCA is to systematically identify and solve problems, make improvements, and achieve better results in various processes and systems.
A: The Plan phase is crucial as it involves setting clear objectives, defining the problem to be addressed, and developing a detailed plan to achieve the desired results. It lays the foundation for the entire PDCA cycle.
Daniel Croft is a seasoned continuous improvement manager with a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. With over 10 years of real-world application experience across diverse sectors, Daniel has a passion for optimizing processes and fostering a culture of efficiency. He's not just a practitioner but also an avid learner, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge. Outside of his professional life, Daniel has a keen Investing, statistics and knowledge-sharing, which led him to create the website learnleansigma.com, a platform dedicated to Lean Six Sigma and process improvement insights.
Improve your Lean Six Sigma projects with our free templates. They're designed to make implementation and management easier, helping you achieve better results.
