Deming Cycle: A Proven Approach to Quality Improvement

October 25, 2022 Benjamin Wann

Total Quality Management is a process businesses use to improve the quality of their products and services. One of the critical components of TQM is the Deming Cycle, a four-step process for continuous improvement. The Deming Cycle can be used in any business or organization to improve quality and productivity.

Read this article to know what Deming Cycle is and how you can use it to improve your business.

What Is the Deming Cycle?

The Deming Cycle, also known as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle, is a continuous quality improvement model that consists of four key stages: Plan, Do, Study, and Act. The cycle was first put forth by an American statistician, Dr. W. Edwards Deming, in the 1940s to improve quality control in manufacturing and has since been adopted by businesses and organizations across various industries.

While the cycle can be applied to any process or problem, it is often used as a tool for root cause analysis. By breaking down a problem into these four stages, businesses can more effectively identify issues and develop solutions that prevent problems from occurring again. The Deming Cycle is an essential quality improvement tool in various industries and business applications.

How To Use The Deming Cycle For Your Business

The Deming Cycle is a continuous quality improvement model that consists of four key stages: Plan, Do, Study, and Act. Also known as the PDSA Cycle, it is an iterative process that helps organizations identify and correct problems to improve quality.

When using the Deming Cycle, it is vital to keep the following in mind:

It is important to remember that the cycle is designed to be used as an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
The cycle should be used to help identify areas for improvement, not as a way to find blame.
It is crucial to keep communication open and honest throughout the process.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your organization uses the Deming Cycle effectively and efficiently. Now, how do you use the Deming cycle for continuous business improvement?

The Deming cycle can be used by following the four steps: Plan, Do, Study, and Act.

4 Stages of the Deming Cycle

Plan- 4 Stages of the Deming Cycle

Planning is the first cycle stage focused on identifying the problem and developing a plan to address it. This stage begins with identifying a problem or opportunity for improvement. Once the problem has been identified, the team responsible for addressing it will develop an action plan. This plan will identify who will do what, when it will be done, and how it will be done.

The goal of this stage is to develop a clear and concise plan that can be followed to address the identified problem. By planning out the steps necessary to address the issue adequately, the team can increase their chances of achieving their desired results.

Do- 4 Stages of the Deming Cycle

Doing is the second step in the PDSA cycle. It is when the plan from the previous step is put into action. You will take the information and analysis from the previous steps and use them to make changes in your process. These changes should improve your product or service and prevent future problems. This is where changes are made, and improvements are implemented. It's important to note that this step should not be rushed - care should be taken to ensure that changes are made correctly and will have the desired effect.

Once the changes have been made, it's time to move on to the next step: Studying whether or not the changes had the desired effect.

Study- 4 Stages of the Deming Cycle

It is essential to constantly reflect on past performance and learn from mistakes to improve quality. This is the third step in Deming Cycle, known as Study. Only through studying past performance can organizations hope to identify problems and make necessary improvements.

There are many different ways to study past performance. One standard method is to review records and identify any patterns or trends. Another approach is to interview employees or customers to get feedback about what could be improved.

Whatever method is used, the study's results must be used to make organizational changes. Without taking action based on the findings, there is no point in conducting a study in the first place. By using the insights gained from the study, organizations can move closer to their goal of continuous improvement.

Act- 4 Stages of the Deming Cycle

This fourth and last step refers to taking corrective action based on the results of the previous three steps. This may involve changing how things are done to improve quality. It is important to note that the Deming Cycle aims not simply to fix problems but to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Corrective action should be taken as soon as a problem is identified. This will help to ensure that quality standards are met and maintained. It is also essential to review the effectiveness of corrective action taken to make further improvements if necessary.

Deming Cycle’s Best Practices

Identify the problem or opportunity for improvement.

One of the Deming Cycle's best practices is identifying the problem or opportunity for improvement. This helps organizations to focus on areas that need improvement and make necessary changes.

Organizations need to establish a baseline to identify the problem or opportunity for improvement. This will help them to track progress and identify areas that need improvement. Once the baseline is established, organizations can then set goals and objectives. They can also develop plans to address the identified problems or opportunities for improvement.

Organizations need to constantly monitor their progress to ensure that they are making progress toward their goals. They should also review their plans periodically to ensure they are still relevant and practical. By following these steps, organizations can effectively identify problems or opportunities for improvement and make necessary changes.

2. Set objectives and goals for the improvement project.

When it comes to quality improvement, one of the best practices is to set objectives and goals for the project. This helps ensure everyone knows what needs to be accomplished and can work together to ensure it happens.

Having objectives and goals also allows you to track progress and see if you are on track to meet your targets. Without this, it can be difficult to tell if your improvement efforts are making a difference.

Finally, setting objectives and goals gives you something to strive for and keeps everyone motivated. It can be easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day details of a quality improvement project, but remembering the bigger picture can help keep things on track.

3. Plan and implement the improvements.

Planning and implementing help organizations focus on the areas that need improvement and work on making those improvements.

When using Deming Cycle, it is crucial to have a clear plan of what needs to be improved. Once the plan is in place, the organization can then work on implementing the changes. This may involve changes to processes, training employees, or making other changes to improve the organization's overall quality.

Improvements can be challenging, but organizations can make significant progress using Deming Cycle and following best practices. Organizations can create a cycle of success by taking action and continuously improving.

4. Monitor and control the implementation process.

Continuous monitoring and controlling of the implementation process can help organizations ensure that their improvements are being implemented as planned and have the desired effect.

Organizations should establish clear metrics for measuring progress and identify who is responsible for monitoring and controlling the implementation process. They should also set up a system for tracking progress and ensuring that any problems that arise are quickly addressed.

Monitoring and controlling the implementation process is essential to successful improvement efforts. By following these best practices, organizations can ensure that their improvements are executed smoothly and effectively.

3. Evaluate the results of the improvements.

Evaluating the results of improvements made to a process is an integral part of the Deming Cycle. By doing so, businesses can determine whether the changes have had the desired effect and make further adjustments. This feedback loop ensures that quality improvements are made on an ongoing basis. Additionally, this enables organizations to identify any potential problems that may have arisen due to the changes.

Several methods can be used to evaluate the results of improvements made to a process. One standard method is to compare performance metrics before and after the change is implemented. Another way to evaluate results is to solicit feedback from customers or employees affected by the change.

4. Make necessary adjustments to the plan based on evaluation results.

One of the Deming Cycle's best practices is making necessary adjustments to the plan based on evaluation results. This helps ensure that the plan is always relevant and up-to-date and that any changes are made promptly.

Making adjustments to the plan based on evaluation results also helps identify areas where the plan may need to be revised or updated. This can help prevent problems or issues from arising in the future.

Making adjustments to the plan based on evaluation results is a critical best practice of the Deming Cycle that can help keep the plan relevant and up-to-date. By making these adjustments, organizations can improve their overall performance and avoid potential problems down the road.

5. Standardize and document the new process or product.

When implementing a new process or product, it is vital to standardize it across all departments and locations. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no discrepancies. Doing this can prevent potential issues arising from having different versions of the same thing.

Standardizing new processes or products is crucial because it helps ensure consistency and quality. When all employees use the same process or product, it is easier to identify problems and find solutions. Additionally, standardized processes or products are easier to train employees on and improve efficiency.

Moreover, it is also essential to document the new process or product. This documentation should include all aspects of the change, such as who was involved, what was changed, when, and why. This will help ensure that everyone knows the changes and can easily reference them if needed.

6. Sustain the improvements over time.

Sustaining the improvements is a critical component of the Deming Cycle. The cycle starts with a plan, followed by doing, studying, taking action, and then reflecting on results and adjusting the plan accordingly. This iterative process continues until desired results are achieved.

Once improvements are made, it is crucial to maintain those changes over time to ensure that the benefits are realized. To do this, it is necessary to have a system in place to track progress and identify any areas where further improvement is needed. Additionally, regular communication among all stakeholders helped to keep everyone on track and focused on sustaining the improvements.

Sustaining improvements over time requires commitment from everyone in the organization. Tops managers must provide leadership and direction, middle managers must plan and implement changes, and front-line workers must carry out the day-to-day work.

The Benefits Of the Deming Cycle

1. It helps you identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently.

The Deming Cycle—also known as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle—is an iterative quality improvement method used to solve problems and improve processes. One of the key benefits of using the Deming Cycle is that it helps you identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently.

When using the Deming Cycle, you first need to identify a problem or opportunity for improvement. Once you’ve done that, you can develop an action plan to address the issue. Next, you’ll implement the plan and check to see if it effectively solved the problem or improved the process. Finally, you’ll take action to institutionalize your changes so that they become part of your organization’s standard operating procedures.

2. It allows you to track and measure progress to adjust your approach as needed.

To improve quality, businesses need to be able to track and measure progress to adjust their approach as needed. The Deming Cycle is an excellent tool for doing just that.

This is especially important in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment. You can quickly identify areas that need improvement and make the necessary changes by tracking progress. This helps to ensure that you are always moving forward and making the most of your resources.

The Deming Cycle is an essential tool for any organization that continuously wants to improve its performance. Tracking progress and making adjustments as needed helps organizations stay ahead of the competition and provides a roadmap for success.

3. It keeps everyone on the same page and working towards the same goal.

While some may view the Deming Cycle as complex and time-consuming, there are several benefits to using this model in businesses. One of its main advantages is that it helps keep everyone on the same page and working towards the same goal.

The Deming Cycle provides a framework for organizations to improve their processes continuously. Having all employees follow the same process helps ensure everyone is working towards the same goal. This can help avoid confusion and miscommunication, leading to errors and wasted time and resources.

Following the Deming Cycle can also help to create a sense of team unity as everyone works together towards a common goal. This can boost morale and lead to better performance from employees. This can help organizations achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

4. It encourages creativity and outside-the-box thinking.

Using the Deming Cycle encourages creativity and outside-the-box thinking. This is because the Deming Cycle forces individuals to constantly reflect on their work and look for ways to improve it. This reflection leads to new ideas and insights, which can help promote creativity. Additionally, the Deming Cycle also provides a structure for testing new ideas, which can further encourage outside-the-box thinking. By constantly challenging individuals to find new ways to improve their work, the Deming Cycle fosters an environment conducive to creative thinking.

5. It leads to lasting, sustainable change.

When it comes to effecting lasting, sustainable change within an organization, the Deming Cycle is hard to beat. This iterative approach has been used successfully by businesses across various industries.

There are four key phases to the Deming Cycle: planning, doing, studying, and acting. Each phase builds upon the previous one and leads naturally into the next. This cyclical approach helps ensure that any changes made are based on a solid foundation and are likely to stick over the long term.

The Deming Cycle can be applied to many areas, from improving customer service to streamlining manufacturing processes. No matter what area you're looking to improve, following the Deming Cycle is a proven way to make lasting, sustainable changes.

Deming Cycle Case Studies

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is an excellent example of a company utilizing the Deming Cycle to improve its operations. Ford has been using the Deming Cycle since the early 1990s, and it has helped the company become one of the world's most efficient and effective automobile manufacturers. The Deming Cycle consists of four steps: Plan, Do, Study, and Act. These four steps help organizations continuously improve their processes and operations.

Plan: In this stage, Ford creates plans for how it wants to improve its manufacturing process. This includes creating goals and objectives for the company and determining what resources will be necessary to achieve these goals.

Do: Once the plan is in place, Ford moves on to the second cycle step, Doing. In this stage, Ford implements the improvements that it has planned. This includes making changes to the manufacturing process and training employees on how to use the new processes.

Study: After the changes have been made, it is essential to study whether or not they are working as intended. This stage involves measuring the results of the changes and determining whether or not they have the desired effect. Ford can adjust its plans accordingly if the results are not what was expected.

Act: Finally, Ford enters the Act stage once everything works as it should. In this stage, Ford ensures that all improvements are permanent and cannot be undone. This ensures that the company can continue to improve its manufacturing process and produce quality products.

The Deming Cycle has helped Ford to become one of the most successful automobile manufacturers in the world. The company has continually used the cycle to improve its operations, resulting in better-quality products and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Japan’s Canon Corporation

Since its establishment in 1937, Canon has been at the forefront of innovation in optics and imaging. In recent years, Canon has applied the Deming Cycle to various aspects of its business operations to improve quality and efficiency. The Deming Cycle, also known as the PDSA Cycle, is a four-step process that can be used to improve processes and systems continually. By following these steps, Canon has improved its product quality, manufacturing processes, and overall customer satisfaction. Let's take a closer look at how Canon has used the Deming Cycle in its business operations.

Plan: The first step of the Deming Cycle is to develop a plan of action. This plan should be based on a thorough analysis of the current situation and desired outcomes. For Canon, this step involves researching new technologies and trends in the optics and imaging industry. Based on this research, Canon develops plans for new products and processes that will improve quality and efficiency.

Do: The Deming Cycle's second step is implementing the plan. This involves putting the plan into action and making any necessary adjustments. For Canon, this step includes developing and implementing new technologies and processes. Once these new technologies and processes are in place, they are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the high standards set by Canon.

Study: The third step is to evaluate the results of the implementation. This step involves assessing whether the desired outcomes were achieved and making necessary changes. For Canon, this includes conducting customer surveys and collecting data on product quality. Based on this information, Canon adjusts its products and processes as needed.

Act: The fourth and final step is to take action based on the evaluation results. This may involve making further changes to the plan or taking corrective action. For Canon, this includes researching and developing new technologies and processes. It also involves constantly monitoring product quality and customer satisfaction levels.

The Canon Corporation is an excellent example of a company that has used the Deming Cycle to improve its business operations. By following the four-cycle steps, Canon has improved its product quality, manufacturing processes, and overall customer satisfaction.

Deming Cycle: A Proven Approach to Quality Improvement - Conclusion

The Deming Cycle is a proven approach to quality improvement that has been successful in many organizations. It is a systematic process that can identify and correct problems in any area of an organization. The cycle is flexible and can be adapted to the specific needs of any organization. By using the Deming Cycle, organizations can improve the quality of their products and services and increase customer satisfaction.