Glossary

PDCA Cycle

What is PDCA cycle?

PDCA cycle is a four-step process method used for control and continual improvement of processes and products. PDCA is also known as Plan-Do-Check-Act, i.e., to identify opportunity and execute a change plan, implement the planned change on a small scale, evaluate the change and measure its effectiveness and act based on the result and implement it on a larger scale and standardize the process. PDCA cycle is widely used in quality management systems and ISO 9001. The cycle helps organizations define goals, implement changes and take appropriate action to achieve sustainable improvement.

How does PDCA cycle help in pharma?

The PDCA cycle provides a structured approach for pharmaceutical companies to identify issues, test solutions, analyse results, and continuously improve their processes to ensure consistent quality and compliance.

Key benefits of PDCA cycle in pharmaceutical industry:

  • Improved Quality: The PDCA approach helps identify and eliminate defects, leading to a reduction in product recalls and enhanced patient safety
  • Increased Efficiency: By identifying and addressing inefficiencies in processes, the PDCA cycle can drive improvements in productivity and reduce waste
  • Reduced Costs: Eliminating defects and inefficiencies through the PDCA process can lead to overall reductions in operating costs for pharmaceutical companies.