In which phase of PDCA would you evaluate the outcome of an improvement?

The evaluation of the outcome of an improvement occurs during the Check phase of the PDCA cycle. This phase is crucial as it focuses on assessing the results of the changes implemented in the Do phase. During Check, data is collected and analyzed to determine whether the desired improvements were achieved and if they met the goals set during the Plan phase. This assessment aids in understanding the effectiveness of the actions taken and provides insights into any adjustments needed for future cycles.

By conducting a thorough evaluation, organizations can identify what worked well, what did not, and why certain outcomes occurred. This informed analysis is essential for making data-driven decisions and ensuring continued improvement within the process. The insights gained during the Check phase influence the subsequent Act phase, where adjustments and refinements are made based on the evaluations.