PDCA Cycle Worksheet

Project / Problem:

Start Date:

Team Lead:

Target Metric:

Current Baseline:

Goal / Target:

PDCA is a cycle, not a straight line. If the Check phase shows the solution didn't work, return to Plan and try again. Each cycle builds knowledge and improves the result.

P — PLAN

Define the problem, analyze the root cause, and design the solution

Problem statement (specific, measurable): Root cause identified (from 5 Whys / Fishbone):

Proposed solution:

Expected result / hypothesis:

Pilot scope (where / when / how long): Team members involved: Resources needed:

D — DO

Implement the plan on a small scale — pilot first, then roll out

Steps taken to implement (in order): Data collected during pilot: Issues or surprises encountered during implementation:

Pilot start date:

Pilot end date:

C — CHECK

Measure results — did the solution work? Compare to baseline

Baseline (before):

Result (after):

% Improvement:

Target achieved? ☐ Yes ☐ Partial ☐ No

What did the data show? Did anything unexpected happen?

Decision: ☐ Proceed to Act (it worked) ☐ Return to Plan (adjust and try again)

A — ACT

If it worked — standardize and sustain. If not — start the next cycle

Work instruction / SOP updated Document #:

Training completed for all affected staff Date:

Visual reminder or signal posted at point of use

Monitoring / ongoing measurement put in place Frequency:

Result communicated to team and management

Roll-out scope (beyond pilot):

Lessons Learned — What will we do differently next cycle?

Next improvement opportunity identified: