What is the PDCA Cycle?

The PDCA cycle is a key quality management methodology, and has been widely used for over 70 years in a range of industries. Find out what it is, why it still matters today and how to apply it in practice.

What is the PDCA Cycle and what is it used for?

The PDCA Cycle is a quality management tool that aims to solve problems in a structured way with 4 simple steps: Plan, Do, Check, and Act.

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The PDCA Cycle is one of the most widely used methods of continuous improvement. It allows managers to identify the root causes of problems and develop solutions. In addition, the PDCA Cycle can be very useful in identifying and eliminating waste in processes, making companies’ activities more efficient.

How to use the PDCA Cycle?

The PDCA Cycle follows 4 steps, from identifying the problem to be solved to confirming the solution.

1. Plan

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The first step is to identify the problem and define the success criteria in a measurable way. To get a more complete picture of the problem, you can use reports, data, charts, and other tools.

Next, analyze the problem from various points of view. At this stage, users list possible causes and rank them in order of relevance. Tools such as the Ishikawa Diagram can be useful. Finally, actions are planned to solve the problem, usually using the 5W2H Method or an Action Plan.

2. Do

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Once a potential solution has been found, it is time to test its reliability through a small-scale pilot project. This way, if it does not achieve the desired result, the negative side effects will be less significant. During the test, gather enough data to evaluate and reach a conclusion.

3. Check

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At this stage, the results of the pilot project are analyzed against the success criteria defined in the first step. If the plan did not work, go back to the beginning and repeat the process. If it worked, you may decide to try other changes.

4. Act

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In this last step, the solution that worked is standardized and implemented over the long term. However, this is a cyclical process. Therefore, it is important to keep looking for ways to improve processes, taking advantage of the information gained from previous experiences.

When can the PDCA Cycle be used?

The PDCA Cycle can be used by all types of organizations and sectors, and is applicable both in small businesses and large organizations, in industry or service sectors. Its versatility allows it to be used whenever there is a desire to improve products, processes, or results.

In conclusion, the PDCA Cycle is a quality management tool to be considered by companies that aspire to stay at the forefront of their industry. Testing small changes first, and then implementing successful tests on a larger scale is an important step in ensuring the quality of products and processes in a controlled way. You can also combine the PDCA Cycle with other quality management methodologies, thus creating your own portfolio of tools adjusted to your company’s reality.

PDCA Cycle at Somengil, the basis of the continuous improvement

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