From the course: Implementing a Lean Management System

Problem-solving with plan, do, check, act

From the course: Implementing a Lean Management System

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Problem-solving with plan, do, check, act

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A very popular methodology is Plan-Do-Check-Act, which is abbreviated PDCA. It's normal to first plan out the process of improvement. Establish the objectives and processes in order to improve the process to have the desired result or target. We then do what we said we were going to do. Implement the plan and collect any needed data to help in the check and act phases. We follow it by checking if the action we performed actually make sense or made a difference. We're trying to eliminate the problem from occurring again. Analyze the results in the do phase. Compare the results against anticipated results or targets. Ensure there was no difference in the anticipated results, and ensure the plan was fully implemented. The check phase should ensure that the plan was implemented in the do. Now, the act should be the new standard for how the organization should act from now on. If the check is completed, we act by standardizing the processes across the board in multiple areas that make sense to replicate. The feedback loop is also very quick so that there's minimal waiting time. Here's an example of PDCA. I have to drive to work every day, and it takes me close to an hour for me to get there. So first, I plan my trip, the route, the time I leave, the place I'm going to park. Then I do it several times, several days, which leads me to check. I check which was the best way for me to get to work. Finally, I act. I make this my new way of driving to work, and I make sure I use the same route, time of leaving and place of parking each and every time. Plan-Do-Check-Act fit nicely together with five stages of DMAIC. The plan phase is define, measure and analyze. Then, the do phase is improve and the check phase goes along with the act phase where we control. The PDCA method creates a feedback loop that empowers the team to improve their standard work and drive operational excellence.

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