In the PDCA cycle, what does “Plan” signify?

In the PDCA cycle, "Plan" signifies the critical stage where a benchmark for improvement is defined. This phase involves identifying specific objectives and establishing measurable targets to guide the subsequent actions. By setting clear benchmarks, the team can evaluate progress and effectiveness later on, ensuring that the improvements are aligned with organizational goals.

Defining benchmarks is essential as they serve as reference points that help in measuring success and determining whether the changes made lead to meaningful improvements. These benchmarks also facilitate data collection and analysis during the "Check" phase of the PDCA cycle, allowing the team to assess whether the implemented changes are delivering the desired outcomes.