What is PDCA and Why Should You Use It?

PDCA ("Plan-Do-Check-Act") is an iterative four-step problem-solving process typically used in business process improvement and perfect to apply to a waste prevention project. Why? Because it is a continuous wheel of ongoing activity and preventing waste is never finished. The business may undergo change or new technology might be developed or staff will have new ideas. Activities should always be reviewed in order to seek new improvements.

• Step 1 Plan: Identify what you need to do, how to do it & when to do it.
• Step 2 Do: Carry out your plans or procedures.
• Step 3 Check: Have you consistently achieved what you set out to do? Have you identified any shortcomings, corrected them and taken measures to prevent their recurrence?.
• Step 4 Act: Do your ambitions, plans & procedures still satisfy your goals? Do they need to be revised?