Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Problem Solving with PDCA


When problem solving, it is important to have a plan of attack.  It is a good idea to have a basis for what you will be doing, I would suggest the PDCA cycle.  According to the ASQ website, the Plan Do Check Act cycle is a four step model for carrying out change.  It is ideal for continuous improvement because it is a never ending cycle that should be repeated over and over again.  It can be used for numerous situations such as starting a new project, developing a new or improved design, in planning, or when implementing any change.  There are four parts to the cycle including: Plan, Do, Check, and Act.

During the Plan phase it is a must to thoroughly study the problem.  Next, an in depth analysis of the problem should be performed.  Ideas for a remedy of the problem can then be developed.  Lastly, a plan can be made.

The plan is implemented and put into action during the Do phase.

The Check phase is then used to verify the conformity against the plans and requirements.  It is ideal to measure the effects of the implementation and compare with the target goal.

The Act phase is used as a review.  A review of the new ideas to establish a new standard and or modify the strategy.

Once a successful new plan or idea is implemented, the PDCA cycle can be used continuously to keep improving the process.

-KT

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