PDCA cycle (Deming cycle): why should it be used when building business processes?

Today we will look at one of the key practices in building business processesIn other words, we will talk about the Deming cycle (PDCA).

What is the PDCA cycle?

The PDCA cycle is an abbreviation for “Plan-Do-Check-Act.” This cycle was first used in Japan in the 1950s, but has become a universally accepted method for achieving business process improvement worldwide. It consists of four steps in sequence:

1. Planning (Plan) — at this stage, the goal and objectives of the process are defined, and plans and strategies for achieving them are developed. The main idea is to anticipate all possible scenarios, develop the optimal plan of action, and determine the necessary resources.
2. Execution (Do) — in the second stage, the plan is put into practice. In this step, all planned actions and processes are implemented. It is important to perform the tasks accurately and according to the plan.
3. Check — after the implementation is complete, it is important to analyze the results. By comparing them with the standards, you can determine how successful the implementation was. If the results do not meet the requirements, this indicates the need for changes in the process.
4. Action (Act) — the final stage involves taking steps to correct errors or deficiencies identified during the review stage. It also involves making improvements to the process to ensure increased efficiency and quality.

Why is it worth using the PDCA Cycle when building business processes?

There are a number of reasons for this, including:

1. Systematic improvement — The PDCA cycle allows businesses to systematically improve their processes. It provides the opportunity not only to fix problems, but also to identify them before they become critical.
2. Risk reduction — improving processes at the “Verification” stage allows you to reduce risks and errors in business.
3. Promoting innovation — The PDCA cycle stimulates continuous development and innovation in an organization. This is important in order to be competitive and meet the needs of the modern world.
4. Collaboration — this tool promotes collaboration and communication within the organization. All stakeholders can participate in building and improving processes.
5. Recommendations from Asana.

PDCA is not just an abstract methodology. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by numerous studies and practical experience of many companies. One of the authoritative sources in the IT sphere is the American software developer Asana. They emphasize the importance of using PDCA cycle to ensure business growth and competitive advantage.

How does Odoo promote the use of the PDCA cycle?

Odoo is a powerful modular ERP system, which is designed to automate business processes and quality project management. It helps to adjust processes at each stage of the PDCA cycle.

The Projects module in Odoo is a multifunctional tool for project management. We also actively use it in our company for project activities.

This module allows us to track the status of various tasks, including those related to your projects. It also allows you to create tasks for the project team.

In addition, this module allows you to record time spent on tasks, control deadlines, task frequency, and create recurring tasks within one project. We recommend using the “Projects” module." to those enterprises that are mainly engaged in project activities.

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