PDCA is a kind of systematic approach to implement any system in any type of organization. Now days PDCA is the common approached followed by ISO for all its international standards. Learn more about it by going through the slides.

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What is PDCA?
Author
Nikesh Desai

2. What is PDCA?
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PDCA is a kind of systematic approach to implement any system in any type of
organization. Now days PDCA is the common approached followed by ISO for all its
international standards.
Following image shows the PDCA Cycle:
For the people who are already dealing with ISO standards this might be very easy
to understand. But for the beginners let me explain each and every step more
meticulously.
Let’s Start,
Image Source: ISO 9001:2015 Standard

3. What is PDCA?
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In PDCA, each letter has a meaning and importance:
PDCA Cycle works like a computer or any input output device works.
When the relevant inputs are given while following PDCA approach the outputs
resulted are more aligned with the company’s context and directions.
The inputs required for PDCA are as follows:
 Organizations and its context
 Customer requirements
 Needs and expectation of relevant interested parties
(Each input is clearly explained separately. To know more about it, click on the specific inputs.)
These inputs are first received by the leader. In PDCA, choosing a right leader is
more important.
P-Plan
D-Do
C-
Check
A-Act
Input PDCA Output

4. What is PDCA?
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Leader initiates the cycle as follows:
The whole process is monitored by Leader assigned for that activity. In small
organizations, leader is either the MD or the Chairperson or the Business owner. In
large organization, PDCA is implemented process wise and hence a dedicated
leader is assigned to it.
The expected output also varies from organization to organizations. But the basic
remains same.
Real Expectations for any organization are:
 Customer Satisfaction
 Products and Services
Plan
DO
Check
Act
Leader understands the input
received from various sources.
He analyse the input and
initiates the planning process
The analyses are forwarded to
planning department to decide
the actions to be taken to
achieve the results.The actions are assigned to
operations team. This ensures
that activities are carried out in
correct directions.
Each of the activities is checked
periodically to ensure the
expected results. It also searches
for better opportunities.
When the expected results are not
found, improvements are initiated
and actions are decided to
overcome the failure.
The improvements or corrective
actions are again planned by the
planning team and the cycle
goes on till expected results are
found.

5. What is PDCA?
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Advantages:
 Systematic approach
 Results oriented thinking
 Results/Outcome guaranteed
Disadvantages:
 Time consuming Lengthy process
 Continuous monitoring required.
As you can see the PDCA is the very basic approach which generally people follow
in their day to day lives as well. Hence applying PDCA should never be a problem for
any type or size of organization. This is the same approach ISO generally stands for.
It standardizes the process and make the organization result oriented. In six sigma
approach PDCA is replaced by PDSA which means Plan Do Study Act. The
modification was done as to study the data and come out with the results.
I hope you liked this session. Move ahead for more such topics.
Suggestions and corrections are always welcomed.