Plan Do Check Act PDCA

Definition

It is a 4-steps iterative method of problem solving.

It is often represented in a cycle shape.

Popularized by Edwards Demings in the 50s, under the name PDCA then PDSA (Plan Do Study Act), this method was invented by Walter Shewhart under the name of Shewhart cycle.

PDCA is the acronym for:

P = PLAN (Prepare)

• To fix improvement objectives,

• To Analyze and Define the associated actions plan,

• Establish the associated KPIs (Key performance Indicators).

This initial phase is critical because it conditions the whole project’s success. If poorly achieved, the project will face difficulties, wastes of time and money.

D = DO (Implement, Apply)

• Set up the action plan defin

• ed in phase P.

C = CHECK (Verify, Monitor)

• Control the actions plan realization and the obtained results,

• Identify the differences between P and D.

A = ACT (Act, React)

• Find the measured differences’ causes and apply countermeasures,

• Standardize the best practice to insure long term viability.

• Define objectives for new improvements.

The main advantage of this method is to avoid stopping after the realization phase by reminding the importance of the check and reaction phases, too often forgotten.