Which PDCA phase involves discovering how things went for improvement?

The PDCA cycle, which stands for Plan-Do-Check-Act, is a fundamental concept in quality management and continuous improvement. The phase that focuses on discovering how things went is the Check phase.

During the Check phase, data is collected and analyzed to evaluate the results of the actions taken in the Do phase. This entails reviewing the outcomes against the objectives set in the Plan phase. By assessing performance and determining what worked well and what did not, organizations can identify areas that need improvement. This feedback is crucial for informed decision-making, ensuring that the organization learns from actual results rather than just assumptions.

The insights gained during the Check phase inform the subsequent actions in the Act phase, where improvements are implemented based on the findings. This iterative nature of the PDCA cycle fosters a culture of ongoing evaluation and enhancement within an organization.