PDCA Cycle

Six Sigma Basic 1

CONFIDENTIAL
PDCA Cycle

PDCA (plan–do–check–act or plan–do–check–adjust)

is an iterative four-step management method used in
business for the control and continual improvement of
processes and products.
It is also known as
the Deming circle/cycle/wheel, Shewhart cycle, control
circle/cycle, or plan–do–study–act (PDSA).
PDCA Cycle

Act Plan

Check Do

Act Plan

Check Do Quality
Improvement

Time

Continuous quality improvement with PDCA

PDCA Cycle

Step 1 – PLAN

 Define the problem

 Find the root cause by using 5 Whys
 If the issue is overly complex, take a
more in-depth approach (such as
Fishbone)
 Set SMART goals for your plan
PDCA Cycle

Specific
Measurable
Aggressive (but achievable)
Relevant to the Team and Business
Time bounded
PDCA Cycle

Step 2 – DO

 Brainstorm potential solutions

 Determine which option will be most
practical (Golf scoring, 7 ways)
 Test it on a small scale (do not fully
implement)

Think of the “do” phase as the “test”

phase
PDCA Cycle

Step 3 – CHECK

 Assess the outcome of the pilot solution

 If you realize there is room for improvement,
make necessary changes
 Repeat the “do” and “check” phases until you
realize you have reached a comprehensive
solution

The “study” phase

 PDCA Cycle

Step 4 – ACT

The final step is to fully implement your solution. If you

are solving an isolated issue, congratulations! You are
finished. If you are striving for continuous
improvement, you should repeat the cycle from Step
One: Plan to find additional opportunities for
improvement. Lather, rinse, repeat.
 PDCA Cycle

4 Benefits of Using PDCA

 Provides a standardized method to achieving continuous improvement that

can be used by employees in any department to resolve new and recurring
issues
 Prevents wasted time implementing ineffective or inferior solutions
 Fosters teamwork through brainstorming and problem-solving
 Inexpensive – Overcome obstacles internally
PDCA Cycle

3 Tips for Successfully Implementing PDCA

 Upper management must be on-board and treat the Cycle as a mandatory

policy for change
 Remember this is a circular plan, not a one-way plan
 Implement in all departments of organization
PDCA Cycle
 PDCA Cycle

At the heart of the Six Sigma methodology is the DMAIC model for process improvement. DMAIC is
commonly used by Six Sigma project teams and is an acronym for:

 Define opportunity
 Measure performance
 Analyze opportunity
 Improve performance
 Control performance
Thank You