Toyota’s 8 Steps for Practical Problem Solving are rooted in Walter Shewhart‘s (and Dr. Deming‘s) PDCA Cycle (Plan Do Check Act). Toyota expanded on “Plan” with Steps 1-5 whereas “Do-Check-Act” correspond with Steps 6, 7 and 8. Both systems are based on the Scientific Method and help support a culture of continuous process improvement.
1. Eight Step Problem Solving Process
2. Clarify the Problem
3. Breakdown the Problem
4. Set the Target
5. Analyze the Root Cause
6. Develop Countermeasures
7. Implement Countermeasures
8. Monitor Results and Process
9. Standardize and Share Success
