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PDCA Cycle: Everything you need to know about Plan Do Check Act

One of the most well-known methodologies within Lean is the PDCA cycle. It is a valuable technique for supporting process improvement. What PDCA stands for, its connection to continuous improvement, and how it can enhance your processes? You’ll find out in this blog, where we tell you everything you need to know about the PDCA model.

What is the PDCA cycle?

The abbreviation PDCA stands for Plan, Do, Check, Act. In the PDCA cycle, these action points are followed in the order listed to solve problems in the workplace. Additionally, the PDCA cycle is a well-known tool for use in quality management and continuous improvement. Thus, the PDCA cycle forms an important method within the concept of Lean Management. It is also often used as the basis for ISO certifications. The PDCA cycle was developed by Mr. William Edwards Deming. Some may also know the PDCA model as the Deming circle. Besides the Deming circle, ‘quality circle’ is another term commonly used in practice to describe the cycle of Plan, Do, Check, Act. The PDCA cycle is closely linked to the process of inspiring, mobilizing, valuing, and reflecting.

Why a PDCA cycle?

The PDCA cycle is versatile. You can use it to improve goals and KPIs systematically. Moreover, you can apply the PDCA model to both short-term and long-term projects, depending on the complexity of the problem. Hence, you can use PDCA for both daily issues and large-scale problems to implement improvements. A PDCA cycle prevents you from accidentally skipping steps in the improvement process, ensuring that timely action is always taken to address a problem or improvement point. Thus, it initiates a continuous learning and improvement process by giving data analyses, KPIs, and reflection a leading role.

The phases of the PDCA cycle

As shown in the image, the PDCA cycle is divided into four sections. Each of these four sections represents a specific phase in the PDCA cycle: Plan, Do, Check, and Act. Below, we discuss the action points associated with each phase and the exact purpose of these action points.

Phase 1: Plan

In this initial phase of the PDCA cycle, a plan of action is developed for a specific problem. The current situation is mapped out, causes are determined, and possible measures are worked out. Precision is crucial in the Plan phase. This means specifying what needs to be achieved and, especially, how to do it. These objectives and plans are specified using the company’s KPIs and standards. At the end of this PDCA phase, everyone involved should have a clear understanding of the ‘why’ behind the goals and plans. This ensures that everyone feels responsible and that achieving the goal is realistic.

Phase 2: Do

With the plans in place, it is time in the second phase of the PDCA cycle to implement these plans in a controlled test environment. In the Do phase, the plans are put into action, and subsequent events are meticulously recorded. This is best done using dashboards and data analysis systems to minimize human errors. By the end of the Do phase, there is a better understanding of the implementation and impact of the plans. However, it’s essential to ensure there is sufficient capacity. Therefore, make sure you can assign the right people to the right places to implement the plans effectively. In other words, adequate personnel and quality are essential.

Phase 3: Check

In the third phase of the PDCA, it’s all about thorough inspection. It’s time to compare the planned results with the actual results. Particularly, attention is paid to achieving the KPIs linked to the objectives. The Check phase indicates whether the implementation of the plans still aligns with the objectives. Differences are evaluated, and causes are identified. Thus, at the end of this PDCA phase, the new way of working will be determined.

Phase 4: Act

The final phase of the PDCA cycle is the Act phase. In this phase, adjustments and corrections are made to achieve the planned result or to continue the achieved results in the future. This may involve adjusting KPIs and standards and may require adapting practices here and there. Reflection on the project’s content and the course of the PDCA takes place, while the PDCA cycle starts anew. This makes the cycle part of continuous improvement. By raising the bar continuously, employees are guided through the mindset necessary for successful continuous improvement.

PDCA cycle example

A popular theme in the production environment is reducing energy costs. Understandably, given the prices associated with it nowadays, it’s a significant expense for the production line. Therefore, we’ll use this theme as an example of the PDCA cycle. With the situation outlined below, we provide you with a better understanding of the application of the PDCA model.

Suppose: You want to address the current energy consumption of the production line and reduce it by 10%. Then your PDCA cycle might look like this:

Plan: Carefully study the current energy consumption, its causes, and the associated costs. Then set SMART objectives and make plans to achieve these objectives as effectively and quickly as possible. Monitor energy consumption and costs monthly. Use a timeline and possibly a table or graph to visualize the desired reduction in energy consumption.

Do: Implement the improvements you have designed to achieve your SMART goal.

Check: As the deadline approaches, review the results. You find that energy costs have decreased significantly, but the goal of 10% compared to the old consumption has not been achieved.

Act: In addition to the plans already implemented, take additional measures to ensure the 10% reduction in energy costs is achieved. For example, by being more flexible with lighting or specific machines in the production line.

After going through all these phases, you start the PDCA process again until you have achieved your goals. Then you can raise the bar a little higher to achieve even more results.

What is the difference between the PDCA cycle and the Deming circle?

Let’s be clear once and for all about this. There is no difference between the PDCA cycle and the Deming circle (or quality cycle). All terms are used interchangeably in practice, and this should certainly not lead to any problems. In all cases, reference is made to a concept centered on continuous improvement, process optimization, and data analysis. A concept represented in the form of a circle or wheel. PDCA cycle and Deming circle thus mean exactly the same thing. However, the term PDCA cycle is the most well-known globally.

When is a PDCA cycle completed?

As mentioned, the PDCA cycle is often an integral part of the continuous improvement process. The word ‘continuous’ somewhat answers this question. A PDCA cycle is never really completed. However, you can analyze multiple problems with the PDCA cycle and therefore regularly start a new cycle to optimize the production process thoroughly. You can also use PDCA for small, daily problems.

Curious how you can improve your company’s processes?

EZ-GO supports factories’ daily PDCA cycles with digital tools. With EZ-GO, you can plan tasks (Plan), execute them correctly and record the results (Do), measure during audits whether the tasks have contributed to the goal (Check), and adjust from the findings through improvement initiatives (Act). Want to learn more about how EZ-GO can support improving your processes? We’d be happy to introduce you to the world of EZ-GO!