PDCA, also known as ‘the Deming Wheel’, is a four-steps checklist to follow on a way from identification of a problem to a successful application of a solution.

Method was invented in 1930s by W. A. Shewhart and later popularized by W. Edwards Deming from 50s on.

PDCA stands for Plan, Do, Check and Act, and these are basic stages of a cycle. Here as what each of them is about.

1. In a Plan stage you identify the problem and analyze it by identifying a processes, mapping them, collecting data related to the problem and identifying a root cause of a problem.
2. In a Do phase solution is developed but changes are applied on a small scale, on a trial or pilot basis. That way proposed solution can be tested without disrupting normal work. During development step solution is selected from one or more proposed solutions taking into account established criteria.
3. After the solution is developed it is checked against a problem it should solve. If goal is not achieved, we should go back to a planning phase. If goal is achieved solution can be applied widely.
4. When desired solution is selected, we act to implement changes on a large scale. During this phase cooperation of other people, affected by change, is required. Also, change and training needs are defined as well as possible improvements of the solution.

Once the whole cycle is finished we can go back to Plan stage to start working on next problem.

Major principles are shown as a Mind Map here.

I have “discovered” this method only recently and still have to investigate all the possibilities. One of the first which comes to my mind is how it integrates with GTD. As this is the personal productivity method which I use for almost a year it might be interesting to see if both methods can be effectively combined.