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The Deming Cycle, also called the PDCA Cycle, Deming Wheel, Shewhart Cycle, or Continuous Improvement Spiral, is a Continuous Improvement model that is used to plan, implement, and improve processes and practices. It is one of many Problem Solving tools available in the Lean Management toolbox. The Deming Cycle is a 4-step cycle that involves:

• Planning: Identifying the problem or opportunity, and developing a plan to address it.

• Doing: Implementing the plan and collecting data on the results.

• Checking (Studying): Analyzing the data and evaluating the results.

• Acting: Making any necessary adjustments to the plan, and repeating the cycle.

The Deming Cycle originated in the 1920s with statistics expert Mr. Walter A. Shewhart, who introduced the concept of Plan, Do and See. Deming modified the cycle of Shewart towards: Plan, Do, Check, and Act. The Deming Cycle is related to Kaizen thinking and Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing. The concept of PDCA is also based on the Scientific Method (which can be written as Hypothesis-Experiment-Evaluation-Do-Check), developed by Francis Bacon.

The Deming model is useful because it provides a systematic approach for continuously improving processes and practices. It encourages organizations to regularly evaluate their processes and make small, incremental improvements, rather than waiting for major overhauls. This can help organizations to identify and address problems or opportunities quickly; and can lead to significant improvements over time.

The Deming Cycle can be used in a variety of situations, including Process Improvement, Quality Management, and Risk Management. For example, an organization might use PDCA to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing process, reduce defects in its products, or mitigate the risks associated with a new product launch.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Deming Cycle best practices:

• PDCA Problem Solving Process & Tools (230-slide PowerPoint deck)
• PDCA Problem Solving Project Template (64-slide PowerPoint deck)
• A3 and PDCA Problem Solving (19-slide PowerPoint deck and supporting PowerPoint deck)
• PDCA Problem Solving Poster (3-page PDF document and supporting PowerPoint deck)
• Deming Cycle (PDCA) Primer (22-slide PowerPoint deck)

Related Management Topics

• PDCA
• Problem Solving
• Lean Management/Enterprise
• A3
• Quality Management & Assurance

Related Flevy Management Insights: Case Studies

• PDCA Improvement Project for High-Tech Manufacturing Firm
• Operational Excellence in Biotech R&D
• Deming Cycle Improvement Project for Multinational Manufacturing Conglomerate
• PDCA Optimization for a High-Growth Technology Organization
• Operational Excellence in Building Materials Distribution
• Content Strategy Overhaul for a Media Conglomerate
• Luxury Brand Customer Experience Enhancement Initiative