PDCA Cycle

The PDCA Cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act) is a four-step continuous improvement process for identifying and solving problems.
Objective
  • Accelerate work processes
  • Increase efficiency
  • Continuous improvement
  • Reduce risks
berg_glossar_zielsetzung

Procedure:

PLAN: Define project

What is the core problem you want to solve and what is the objective? What resources are available to you, and what could be the optimal solution?

DO: Plan testing and optimization

The solutions are tested for a specific period. In a controlled environment, the new standards are tested and optimized.

CHECK: Review and assess the results

The results from the DO phase are evaluated. Potential issues in the solutions can be addressed here to ensure that the objectives are met.

ACT: Implement changes

After all corrective actions have been completed in CHECK, the new standard will be rolled out across the company.

Close the PDCA cycle

Based on the results, the next project can be prepared. Any remaining issues can be addressed in a new project. The cycle is complete.

Der PDCA Cycle is a loop for continuous problem-solving. Through incremental steps, the outcome is progressively improved. PDCA is often used in quality management and Lean Six Sigma.
Example:

Manager Heinz Schlank works at a company that delivers microscopes to customers. Recently, there have been repeated instances of damage during transport.

1.Plan:

PDCA Methode

▪ Current Analysis: Damage due to poor packaging
▪ Observation: No uniform packaging regulations
▪ Project: 3 months to resolve the issue
▪ Objective: Standardized packaging

Mr. Schlank discovers that transport damage is occurring due to the lack of standardized packaging procedures.

2.Do:

PDCA Zyklus Beispiel

▪ Review the process on-site and examine the documentation
▪ Develop a packaging policy with colleagues on-site
▪ Document measures in an implementation plan
▪ Test the newly developed process in a controlled environment

The individual steps of the action plan include implementing the packaging regulations. Mr. Schlank schedules a meeting and explains the new guidelines.

3.Check:

PDCA Kreislauf

▪ Assess the effectiveness of the process change
▪ Examine the current level of implementation
▪ Develop additional corrective actions
▪ Investigate whether the new policy leads to fewer damages

Three months later, Manager Schlank reviews all the documentation. Transport damage has been reduced by more than 80%.

4.Act:

PDCA Beispiel Pflege

▪ Document the success of the implementation
▪ Identify additional risks
▪ Roll out the newly developed standard within the company
▪ Continuously improve the new standard

Mr. Schlank documents the significant success of the project. The management decides to proceed with a full implementation. To further reduce the remaining 20% of transport damage, he plans to conduct additional training sessions.

Tips:

▪ Internalize PDCA as a management principle
▪ Use it as a foundational structure for developing improvement projects and risk management
▪ Apply it comprehensively across all organizational areas

With more than 4,000 projects and case studies, Alphadi is a leader in the field of Lean Six Sigma and Sales Process Engineering. We advise you holistically so that your goals are achieved sustainably and in the long term.

Youtube
Important
Contact

2024 © All Rights Reserved.