PDCA and DEMING CYCLE
PDCA and DEMING CYCLE
Tool for structured management in four steps
Structured Management with the PDCA and DMAIC Method!
The PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle is a tool for structured management in four steps. It is widely used in companies for control and continuous improvement of work processes. It is also known as the Deming Cycle or Deming’s PDCA Cycle, named after its author who defined it as an essential tool for comprehensive quality in the 1950s.
Dr. William Edwards Deming originally named it the “Shewhart Cycle,” as his model was based on the ideas of his mentor, Walter Shewhart, who defined the PDSA cycle. In this case, the “S” stands for Study, representing a form of control.
Over time, the basic concepts of structured work or management, PDSA and PDCA, have evolved into various versions, including SDCA, where “S” stands for Standardize, and DMAIC (Define – Measure – Analyze – Improve – Control).
Deming’s initial goal was to create a way to identify problems when customer expectations were not met, but he developed a universal logic. It can be applied practically anywhere in everyday work or management.
PDCA can be used as a method to address individual activities, work operations, monitoring and management of results or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), project management, problem-solving, elimination of chronic losses, ensuring comprehensive quality, ISO standards, and more.
In the field of problem-solving, various tools and methods based on this structure are well-known. Some of the most widely used ones include the 5 Whys, QC Story, A3, 8D Report, projects for eliminating chronic losses, and optimization or cost-saving projects following the PDCA structure.
A crucial phase of the PDCA cycle is standardization, often represented by a wedge symbol preventing regression.
What is the purpose of the PDCA cycle?
The fundamental purpose of the PDCA cycle is to fulfil standard requirements and achieve continuous improvement in management areas (implementation of ISO standards, occupational health and safety, process management, standardization, systematic problem-solving, continuous improvement management, standardization of work operations, etc.).
