All organizations face challenges. Whether they are big picture
issues such as missed revenue targets or efficiency-specific issues
such as rework, following the Plan Do Check Act system can help
businesses implement effective solutions. The key activities taking
place in the four phases of this simple approach are outlined
below.
Plan
In the Plan phase, the cause of the problem is identified and a
solution is designed. Conducting a thorough root cause analysis is
critical to any problem-solving initiative. It allows you to design
a solution that will fix the issue, not simply mask it.
Many tools can be used to conduct a root cause analysis. Two of
my favourites are fishbone diagrams (in which causes are identified
in the categories of materials, process, people and environment)
and the '5 whys' (asking "why?" repeatedly until
the cause is identified).
