Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)

The PDCA is an iterative four-step management and working method for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products. It is also known as the Deming Circle. The readiness status of items listed in an action plan can be evaluated with PDCA.

Plan: List the items, actions or objectives that are necessary for the improvement.

Do: Execute the actions, then measure and collect data.

Check: Analyze the collected data and compare against the objective.

Act: If the analysis confirms the improvement, instructions and standards need to changed and should become the new baseline for future improvement loops.