PDCA Cycles (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycles are a four-step management method for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products. It is a cyclical process for planning, implementing, monitoring, and adjusting strategies or actions to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Goal
To foster a culture of continuous improvement within teams by systematically addressing and optimising every aspect of the product development lifecycle.
Context
Just like in product development, where we think we know what will work, process improvement is impossible to predict ahead of time. This means that we need to follow a similar iterative approach to improvement where we probe with a small change, sense how the process changes and then respond with another change. This is the exact same way that we approach product development.
Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Plan | Identify the problem or opportunity for improvement, establish objectives, and develop a plan to address them. |
| Do | Implement the plan, execute the proposed changes, and collect data to measure the outcomes. |
| Check | Evaluate the results against the objectives and expectations, analyse the data, and identify any deviations or issues. |
| Act | Based on the evaluation, make adjustments to the plan, implement corrective actions, and continue the cycle of improvement. |
Inputs
| Artifact | Description |
|---|---|
| Process Vision | A clear, concise statement of the desired state of the development process and the principles that guide it. |
| Improvement Opportunities | Suggestions for enhancing processes, tools, or practices to improve team performance and efficiency. |
Outputs
| Artifact | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Improved Process Outcomes | Documented enhancements to workflows, practices, or methodologies following a PDCA cycle. | Leads to increased efficiency, reduced waste, and improved team morale. |
Anti-patterns
- Skipping Stages: Overlooking one or more stages of the cycle, particularly the Check and Act stages, leading to uninformed or ineffective adjustments.
- Resistance to Change: Not fully committing to the iterative nature of the PDCA cycle, especially when it comes to making necessary adjustments based on feedback or outcomes.
- Insufficient Analysis: Skiping the Plan phase and jumping straight into Act.