PDCA Cycle Utilization

PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is a continuous improvement cycle used in Lean, quality management, and operational excellence systems. It provides a structured, iterative approach for problem-solving and process enhancement. The Four Phases of PDCA 1. PLAN This phase focuses on identifying a goal or problem and creating a plan for addressing it. Steps: Define the problem clearly. Understand the current state (using tools like process mapping, root cause analysis, etc.). Set measurable objectives. Develop hypotheses for solutions or improvements. Plan the implementation (who, what, when, how). Example: If customer orders are often late, analyze the current order-to-delivery process and plan to streamline approval steps. 2. DO In this step, implement the plan on a small scale or in a pilot/test environment. Steps: Execute the plan with selected team members or within a pilot area. Train staff as needed. Collect data on the process and outcomes during implementation. Example: Pilot the revised order process for one region or product category to see if cycle times improve. 3. CHECK Assess and analyze the results of your test implementation. Steps: Compare actual results with the expected outcomes. Use metrics and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). Identify what worked, what didn’t, and why. Document findings. Example: Determine whether the new process reduced order time, improved customer satisfaction, or revealed new issues. 4. ACT (or ADJUST) Based on what you learned, take action: If successful: Standardize the solution and roll it out more broadly. If not: Refine the plan and go through the cycle again (iterative learning). Steps: Apply improvements organization-wide. Update procedures, documentation, and training materials. Start a new PDCA cycle if problems remain or new ones emerge. Example: If the pilot succeeded, train other departments and implement the process company-wide. Why PDCA Works Iterative: You continuously learn and improve. Data-driven: Based on measurable outcomes. Scalable: Works for small tasks or full organizational change. Risk-minimizing: Tests ideas before wide deployment. Typical Uses of PDCA Quality improvement initiatives Operational process redesign Reducing waste in Lean systems Strategic deployment Safety and compliance efforts

𝗣𝗗𝗖𝗔 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 "𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘋𝘊𝘈,"our new boss highlighted as we worked to introduce process and quality standards in a new global sourcing organisation. With his background in engineering and quality management, he pointed out a crucial factor that often is under-appreciated in Procurement: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, it’s just as vital for optimising Procurement processes, strengthening supplier relationships, and realising cost efficiencies and foremost is a cultural shift. The famous Kaizen, builds the 𝗪𝗛𝗬 behind continuous improvement, emphasising the mindset of "𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿." But practical methodologies like PDCA turn this spirit into the 𝗛𝗢𝗪, a structured approach for meaningful, incremental change. Here's how PDCA gets applied in a real-time example: 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡: A bottleneck in the approval process is causing delays in submitting purchase orders. The goal is to reduce the approval time from 5 days to 2 days. Based on data & category patterns analysed a solution is identified. 𝗗𝗢: A small pilot is run with reduced approval steps for low-risk, low-value orders for certain categories. 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞: After six weeks, they measure the results. The approval time has improved considerably but still is slightly above the target at 2.5 days. 𝗔𝗖𝗧: Since the pilot was successful, the approach is scaled across categories with the team continuing to fine tune the process with PDCA to hit the target. But PDCA is not only about processes, it is about improving also: ▪️𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 through regular target setting and KPI reviews ▪️𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 planning and proving realisation of saving strategies ▪️𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 and the review of pilots to scale upon success ▪️𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 and shared responsibility by involving everyone needed 𝗣𝗗𝗖𝗔 isn't a complex framework or the only tool in the toolbox of continuous improvement and problem-solving. But it’s a simple, effective way to turn continuous improvement into a daily practice for everyone in the team. Looking back at numerous improvement projects, it enhanced our approach to streamline procurement practices in a systematic way and helped to embed a culture of continuous improvement. ❓Do you use PDCA. ❓Where is it applied in your organisation. 👇Let’s discuss in the comments. #continuousimprovement #kaizen #pdca #procurementexcellence #qualitymanagement

If your PDCA never leaves the PowerPoint... you’re doing it wrong. It’s not theory. It’s not a slide in your management review. It’s not for audits only. It’s your QMS system in action. And it starts with P: → PLAN: It’s the foundation ↳ Who are the clients? What’s the strategy? ↳ What are the goals, the resources, the risks? ↳ Plan the docs, the training, the deadlines → Use tools: SWOT, Gemba, KPI dashboards → ISO 13485 – Articles 4, 5, 6 → DO: It’s the engine ↳ Run the processes ↳ Make the product ↳ Measure progress with the right indicators → Use tools: Trello, Asana, Excel trackers → ISO 13485 – Article 7 → CHECK: It’s your radar ↳ Are the goals met? ↳ Audit, inspect, analyze ↳ Go beyond surface issues → Use tools: Power BI, audit checklists, 5 Whys → ISO 13485 – Article 8 → ACT: It’s how you move forward ↳ Fix what’s off ↳ Standardize what works ↳ Start again smarter → Use tools: CA/PA system, A3 reports → ISO 13485 – §§ 5.6, 8.3, 8.5 And the most forgotten step? Standardize your wins. That’s how you stop losing experience. That’s how you avoid solving the same problem twice. That’s how you keep your QMS from sliding back. PDCA is not a cycle. It’s your playbook. Know the cycle. Use the cycle. --- Need to evaluate your QMS per ISO 13485 ? Grab our book "365 Questions to evaluate your QMS" → https://lnkd.in/gTMAQRHp

Procurement isn’t static; it’s a dynamic function where continuous improvement is essential. Applying the Deming Cycle, procurement helps maintain agility in the processes. 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍 📝 The foundation of success lies in meticulous planning: 1️⃣ Define Objectives: Set clear goals like cost optimization, supplier quality enhancement, and risk management. 2️⃣ Establish Scope: Identify the precise requirements—product specs, quantities, and timelines. 3️⃣ Strategize: Craft procurement approaches aligned with organizational goals. This could include market analysis, supplier selection, and risk mitigation strategies. A robust plan is your blueprint to minimize risks and maximize outcomes. 𝐃𝐎 ⚙️ Execution is where plans become actions: 1️⃣ Implement Procurement Plans: Issue RFPs/RFQs, assess supplier bids, and select the best-fit vendors. 2️⃣ Negotiate and Finalize Contracts: Ensure terms, conditions, and service levels meet organizational needs. 3️⃣ Execute Purchases: Complete transactions while adhering to compliance and quality standards. This stage turns intent into action, setting the stage for measurable outcomes. 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐂𝐊 ✅ Evaluate to improve: 1️⃣ Measure Performance: Compare outcomes against KPIs like cost savings, delivery adherence, and supplier performance. 2️⃣ Ensure Compliance: Verify alignment with internal policies, industry standards, and legal frameworks. Data-driven assessments identify gaps and areas for refinement. 𝐀𝐂𝐓 🔧 Refine and evolve: 1️⃣ Drive Improvements: Address inefficiencies and make adjustments to strategies or processes. 2️⃣ Leverage Feedback: Transform lessons learned into actionable insights for future cycles. 3️⃣ Enhance Communication: Engage stakeholders to foster alignment and transparency. The ACT phase ensures the cycle of improvement never stops. What’s your experience with PDCA in procurement? Share your insights in the comments! #procurement #planning #processexcellence #continuousimprovement

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺'𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁? 🤔 Leaders we work with often find ourselves asking, "What is the plan?" But it's not just about having a plan — it's about executing it with precision and agility. That's where a model like PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) comes into play This cycle isn't just a process— it's a framework to coach and develop, it's a mindset to promote learning, it's a culture to empowers teams. Here's an example: **Plan**: Observe a problem - backup of Work In Process (WIP) between two process steps. Determine Root Cause - imbalance of process settings and takt achievement Explore potential solutions - review machine settings for filling operation Define success - how will you know if the problem is remediated **Do**: Implement Changes - run the pilot for one shift to re-evaluate ...but don't stop here! **Check**: Compare results - review your new performance, no stoppage for WIP buffer Discuss learning - *IMPORTANT* to reinforce the learning with the team and their feedback on the process change **Act**: Standardize - we improved the issue so update the standard (Note: if you didn't resolve the problem you iterate, djust the plan and discuss what you learned) As leaders, it's our role to champion this approach, to #improveLESS (individually) … and get better results (as a team). #Lean #SixSigma #ProcessImprovement #ContinuousImprovement #OperationalExcellence