ISO 9001 uses a PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT Model
PLAN
Establish the objectives and processes necessary to deliver expected results. By making the desired output the focus, it ensures that the completeness and accuracy of the specification is also part of the improvement.
When defining the objectives,
- Define: owner, customer, customer requirements
- Identify/Provide inputs, outputs, resources required, monitoring method & measurement method
DO
Implement the new processes.
CHECK
Measure the new processes and compare the results against the expected results to determine any differences.
ACT
Analyze the differences to determine their cause. Each will be part of either one or more of the P-D-C-A steps. Take Corrective Action, Preventive Action OR Improve The Process
Determine where to apply changes that will include improvement. When these four steps does not result in the need to improve, refine the scope to which PDCA is applied until there is a plan that involves improvement.
The Process Approach approach enables the organization to meet customer requirements and deliver continual improvement.