Deming Wheel
The Deming Wheel, also known as the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle, Shewhart Cycle, Deming Cycle, or plan-do-study-act cycle, is a continuous improvement process that consists of four stages:
- Plan: The team selects a process (e.g., activity, method, equipment, or policy) that needs improvement. The team then documents the selected process, usually by analyzing data (using the tools we discuss later in the chapter), sets qualitative goals for improvement, and discusses various ways to achieve the goals. After assessing the benefits and costs of the alternatives, the team develops a plan with quantifiable measures for improvement.
- Do: The team implements the plan and monitors progress. Data are collected continuously to measure the improvements in the process. Any changes in the process are documented, and further revisions are made as needed.
- Check: The team analyzes the data collected during the do step to find out how closely the results correspond to the goals set in the plan step. If major shortcomings exist, the team may have to re-evaluate the plan or stop the project.
- Act: If the results are successful, the team documents the revised process so that it becomes the standard procedure for all who may use it. The team may then instruct other employees in the use of the revised process.