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PDCA: Do

Do Phase -- Implement the Solution

The Do Phase is where you implement the solution. The solution is implemented in either in a manageable pilot form or in its totality. 

The implementation plan has anticipated what's needed in order for the solution to be successful operate in the existing environment.  

Do endures the pain of change, the disruption in production, the drop in service, in order to achieve a better state.

Videos for Implementation

Transition Planning (8:21)
Planning the 'change' migration from the old way to the new way.

Guidelines for Do: "Just Do It"

This is where the implementation plan meets reality. If the Implementation Planning is solid, implementation is manageable. Use Implementation Mentality (doc) as a checklist.

  • Prepare the workforce for what they may experience during implementation. Tell them to expect chaos, rough starts, a gradual learning curve, a need for patience, some just-in-time adjustments and drops in service until the solution becomes routine
  • Develop an open communication and surveillance to monitor success of the solution
  • Train on the new procedures. Allow for real-time adjustments should planned procedures have to be altered. Practice visual control: place instruction in the work area where it is needed
  • Provide extra hand-holding in the beginning stages. Provide frequent checks, extra resources and a sign letting customers know their service may be affected due to implementation of changes
  • Take periodic checks of the workforce on how the implementation is progressing. Ask what's missing, what could make it better
  • If the solution is being tested on a pilot basis: adjust, debug and ready the solution for total roll-out
  • Use daily metrics of the Aim Statement and Cause measures to show that change is occurring. Remember, there is often a dip in performance before it achieve its goal.

Tools to Download on Do

Here are tools to download on Do:

Cautions for the Do Phase

  • Evaluate progress of the implementation. Communicate any positives along the way
  • Dismantle the old way. After the new way has proven itself, the old procedures should no longer be an option
  • If acceptance is difficult in implementing parts of the solution, conduct a Force Field Analysis (ppt) to determine incentives to lead to success
    Example: Human Resources job roles and rewards may need to change to match the new way of doing things.
  • Address the significance and reality of surface resistance along the way. Adjust, tweak, modify the solution until it is optimized
  • Remember most projects don't fail; they just quit

Action Items for the Do Phase

  • Evaluate progress of the implementation. Acclimation of the staff to the new procedure, customer service rising, morale picking up. Communicate any positives along the way
  • Dismantle the old way
  • If parts of the solution are still having implementation acceptance, conduct a Force Field Analysis (ppt)
  • Address the significance and reality of surface resistance along the way
  • Adjust, tweak, modify the solution until it is optimized

To continue instruction, go to PDCA: Check.

Plan-Do-Check-Act


© 2012 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center