EcholoN and the Deming Circle - Definition - What is the PDCA cycle?
One of the best known tools in quality management is the Deming Circle. EcholoN quality management also works according to this model. The term Deming Circle is derived from the American physicist and statistician William Edwards Deming (1900–1993), who had a significant influence on quality management. The continuous improvement process is also frequently used in projects and process optimisation in order to improve the quality of services, products and processes.
The Deming Circle is often also called PDCA cycle, where P, D, C and A stand for: plan, do, check, act. This means the four most important phases of a quality management process. When all of these phases have been completed, the cycle begins again.
Shewhart cycle
The PDCA cycle is closely linked to the Shewhart cycle, which was developed by the statistician Walter Andrew Shewhart. The basic idea of the PDCA cycle was derived from the Shewhart cycle and developed further.
The PDCA cycle - The four steps
1. PLAN
Determine course
"The best way to predict your future is to create it" - Peter F. Drucker
In the plan phase, goals are defined and planned activities for improvement are developed. It is the initial phase in which strategies and plans for solving problems or optimising processes are defined.
In EcholoN, these measures can be represented as processes, times can be planned and responsibilities can be distributed.
2. DO
Set sail
"It is not enough to want - you also have to do it." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The Do phase involves the implementation of the planned measures from the Plan phase. Activities are carried out in order to achieve the defined goals and realise the planned improvements.
With EcholoN, the process progress can be displayed at any time. Other related processes, documents or files can be embedded or linked.
3. CHECK
Check course and wind direction
"Where would we go if everyone said, where would we go and nobody would go to see where you would go if you went." Kurt Marti
The check phase involves reviewing the results and performance based on predefined criteria. Data is analysed to determine whether the desired objectives have been achieved and whether the measures implemented have brought about the desired improvements.
EcholoN provides data and key figures, as well as complete documentation of the route.
4. ACT
Realign sail
"Anyone who has made a mistake and does not correct it makes a second mistake." Confucius
Now it's about the insights from the process. Can recommendations for action be derived? Can new standards be defined? What errors have occurred and how can they be avoided?
At the end of this phase, new processes are planned or existing ones optimized. The cycle begins again.
Advantages and disadvantages of the PDCA cycle
The PDCA cycle offers various advantages and disadvantages that companies should consider when applying this model in order to achieve continuous improvement and standardisation.
Continuous improvement
The PDCA cycle enables continuous improvement of processes and products, as it provides for an iterative application of the PDCA model. This leads to constant optimisation and quality improvements.
Potential of cycle optimisation
The repeated application of the PDCA model offers the potential to constantly optimise the cycle and thus continuously increase the effectiveness and efficiency of processes.
Standardisation through the PDCA cycle
One advantage of the PDCA cycle is the standardisation of processes, which is achieved through the continuous application of the cycle. This contributes to consistency and efficiency in the execution of activities.
Why is the PDCA cycle important in quality management?
The PDCA cycle plays an important role in quality management as it supports the continuous improvement process and contributes to problem solving and optimisation. Continuous application of the PDCA model leads to sustainable quality improvements in companies.
Continuous improvement process
The PDCA cycle promotes a continuous improvement process that enables companies to constantly improve their performance and quality. Continuous improvements are achieved through repeated application of the cycle.
Problem solving and optimisation
Another important aspect is support for problem solving and optimisation of processes. The PDCA cycle provides a structured method for identifying problems, developing solutions and monitoring implementation.
Repeated application of the PDCA model
The repeated application of the PDCA model enables companies to make continuous improvements and thus maintain or increase their competitiveness. It becomes a continuous and sustainable process.
How does the check-act phase in the PDCA cycle work?
The check-act phase is a crucial component in the PDCA cycle and supports the continuous improvement of processes through adjustments based on review and action.
Purpose of the check phase
The purpose of the check phase is to review and evaluate the results of the actions taken. Data is analysed to determine whether the desired objectives have been achieved and whether further adjustments are required.
Measures in the Act phase
In the Act phase, ongoing adjustments are made based on the findings from the Check phase. Improvements are implemented to eliminate weaknesses and continuously optimise performance.
Iterative adjustments in the PDCA model
The PDCA cycle is characterised by iterative adjustments based on the results of the review and evaluation. This approach leads to continuous improvements and optimisations.
Application example of the PDCA cycle in production
A practical application example of the continuous improvement process (CIP) in production illustrates how the Deming circle, also known as the Deming cycle or Deming wheel, can contribute to improving quality and increasing efficiency. This section explains how the PDCA method can be implemented in the production environment, taking into account the individual phases and the importance of the cycle as a whole.
Planning - The first phase of the PDCA cycle
In the first phase, planning, a thorough analysis of the current production processes is carried out. The aim is to identify areas where improvements can be made. In this phase, it is important to set specific goals for quality improvement and develop a detailed plan on how to achieve these goals. Remember, this phase lays the foundation for the success of the entire cycle.
Execute - The second phase of the PDCA cycle
Once the plan has been developed, the second phase, Execute, follows. This is where the previously developed plan is implemented. It is important that in this phase the planned changes are first tested in a controlled environment to check their effectiveness before they are fully implemented. This step-by-step approach helps to minimise risks and validate the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.
Review - The third phase
In the review phase, often referred to as the "check", the results of the tests carried out in the second phase are analysed. The extent to which the measures implemented have contributed to the improvement is assessed. This phase is crucial to understand whether the goals set have been achieved and where further adjustments are needed. More information and data gathered in this phase is invaluable for the rest of the cycle.
Act - The final phase of the PDCA cycle
The final phase, Action, is the moment when successful strategies are standardised and implemented on a broad basis. If the data collected in the "Check" phase indicates that the objectives have not been achieved, it is necessary to analyse the causes and make appropriate adjustments. In this case, the PDCA cycle is run through again, starting with the planning phase, in order to address the problems identified.
Continuous application of the PDCA cycle
It is important to understand that the PDCA cycle is not a one-off procedure, but a continuous process. Each implementation of the cycle contributes to a deeper insight into the production processes and promotes a climate of continuous improvement. The cycle, also known as the Shewhart Cycle or PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act), has its origins in the work of Walter Shewhart, who laid the foundations for modern quality management methods.
Application example of the PDCA cycle in process optimisation
In the context of process optimisation, the PDCA cycle enables companies to make their workflows more efficient and eliminate bottlenecks. One use case could be a logistics company that is confronted with delivery delays and high operating costs.
Planning
The company first identifies the main causes of the delays, such as inefficient route planning or inadequate warehouse management. Clear targets are set for process optimisation, such as a 20% reduction in lead time and a 15% reduction in operating costs.
Execute
Based on the planning phase, the company implements improved route planning software and provides training for staff on more effective warehouse management. These changes are tested in a selected area of the company as a pilot project.
Review
After a defined test period, the company analyses the effects of the implemented measures. Key figures such as throughput time, costs and customer satisfaction are evaluated to determine whether the set goals have been achieved.
Act
If the results are positive, the new processes are adopted as standard throughout the company. If the targets were not achieved, the company analyses the reasons for this and adjusts the measures accordingly. The PDCA cycle is run through again to further optimise the processes.
The difference in this use case compared to production improvement lies in the focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of the work processes themselves. While production often focuses on product quality and machine efficiency, process optimisation concentrates on the design of workflows in order to save time, costs and resources while increasing service quality.
Conclusion
By applying the PDCA cycle in production or process optimisation, companies can not only increase their process efficiency and product quality, but also establish a culture of continuous improvement. Regular application of the cycle makes it possible to react quickly to changes and adapt to constantly changing market conditions. The PDCA cycle is a proven tool that helps companies to achieve their quality improvement goals systematically and successfully.
Further information Quality management
see also Blog - Article: Quality management in the company
Blog article: Continuous improvement process CIP - Definition, procedure and significance of the CIP process
Blog - Artikel:SMART method - formulating goals