PDCA

PDCA for ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001:2015 brought in a game changer with a shift in focus to PDCA at the core of its Quality Management architecture.

For those with a background in Lean Manufacturing, this is great news. For others, this raises two very important questions:

  1. What is PDCA?
  2. How will PDCA help my business?

What is PDCA?

PDCA is a Continuous Improvement business tool used to record, address, and learn from issues identified in the workplace, using a simple and widely applicable series of 4 steps; PLAN, DO, CHECK, ACT

PLAN – Identify the problem and propose a solution (note that the person identifying the problem may not be the same person that comes up with a solution)

DO – Carry out the solution on an applicable scale

CHECK – Agree a set of criteria to establish if the solution is adequate, and agree a time scale to go back and confirm the solution works

ACT – Take appropriate action to propagate success as the new baseline standard, or revise the plan as needed, looping back to PLAN

How will PDCA help my business?

A key strength of PDCA lies in the flexibility of origin. Anyone can use the system to identify an issue or advocate change in any area of your business, in a universally understood format. This gives those closest to an issue, but farthest from decision makers, an empowerment to enact Continuous Improvement activities on a daily basis. With this feedback channel open to all, ISO 9001:2015 allows for, and encourages, ongoing progress and development of your business’s Quality Management System.

Get in touch to find out more about the benefits PDCA can bring to your business.

Posted in Performance.