Continuous Improvement - PDCA - The ACT Phase

We have now reached the fourth phase of the PDCA cycle. This article completes the loop (as well as setting the foundation for beginning at Phase 1 again - Continuous Improvement.

As mentioned in the previous articles of the set, some benefits may be derived from reading this article in isolation. However, if you get the chance, please read and use the complete set. The article ids follow...

Make Continuous Improvement One Of Your Goals - As Soon As You Possibly Can (ID: 74077)
Continuous Improvement - PDCA - The PLAN Phase (ID: 76694)
Continuous Improvement - PDCA - The DO Phase (ID: 78506)
Continuous Improvement - PDCA - The CHECK Phase (ID: 81089)

O.K.

  • We have Planned in Phase 1
  • We have Done in Phase 2
  • We have Checked in Phase 3

    • Let's Act in Phase 4...

    Congratulations! are in order. The process has been followed and the desired improvement or project implementation has been successful, even if only in part - YES, you've got it - that's the whole point of continuous improvement.

    Remember the famous question, how do you eat an elephant?

    ONE BITE AT A TIME!

    So, what do we do with this improvement? We certainly don't want to lose it or return to whatever root cause(s) existed before.

    There are a few but fundamental actions - in summary...

  • Standardize the effective changes
  • Stay in complete control by documenting your improvements
  • Make the improvement the new norm BUT continually monitor the effect using the same measurement techniques
  • Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

    • "Do not be afraid to make decisions,
    do not be afraid to make mistakes."     Carly Fiorina

    STEP 6 Standardize and Stay in Control

  • Document your changes
  • If others involved, communicate changes
  • Discuss any issues or objections if they arise
  • Solicit feedback
  • Plan ongoing monitoring of your changes
  • Plan to collect ongoing feedback
  • If your results are uneven or if you identified other potential improvement areas within your current theme or project,
    you may need to start the cycle again by revisiting your original data.

    As with any good, solid process, we can return to any point in that process and determine where we need to pick up

    Use all your experiences gained throughout the cycle.
    Take time to reflect and consider what worked, what didn