PDCA, or Plan-Do-Check-Act, is core to Lean management.
Here is the breakdown of the steps in PDCA:
Plan: Team defines clear problem, objectives, and prioritizes solutions.
Do: Micro-level solution testing to validate assumptions before full-scale implementation.
Check: Measure small-scale results against objectives, assess improvement potential.
Act: Fully implement optimal solution, document for sustainability.
DMAIC, the core of Six Sigma, cuts process variations via Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control.
Define: The team defines the problem, sets goals and identifies improvement opportunities.
Measure: Assess current process performance, gather benchmark data.
Analyze: Probe data, uncover root causes using tools like 5 Whys.
Improve: Address root cause using analyzed data, execute plan.
Control: Sustain improvements, prevent regression, implement monitoring plan.
DMAIC enhances trucking route optimization.
Unnecessary routes are cut, boosting speed and fuel efficiency.