Definition

Plan-Do-Check-Act (aka PDCA or Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle is a four-step method used for continuous improvement processes, solving problems and managing change. The model is useful for testing improvement measures on a small scale before updating procedures and working practices.

PDCA (PDSA) stands for:

• Plan: Recognize an opportunity, understand the problem and plan a change
• Do: Apply and test the change. Carry out a small scale pilot.
• Check (Study): Review the test, analyze/study the results and identify what you learned
• Act: Take action based on what you learned (Adopt/Adapt/Abandon)

Use When:

• Needing a model for continuous improvement
• Starting a new improvement project
• Developing a new or improved design of a process, product or service
• Something bugs you
• Customers are complaining
• You find yourself saying, "There has got to be a better way!" Implementing any change

Instructions

• PDCA and Lean Tools
• PDCA and Kaizen
• What is the PDCA Cycle?

How to Use

Make Copy

Make Copy of PDCA/PDSA Template in Google Sheets