PlaneraGöraKollaAgera

PlaneraGöraKollaAgera is the Swedish designation for the PDCA cycle, an iterative framework used to optimize processes, products and services through planning, implementation, evaluation and adjustment. It is applied across industries including manufacturing, IT, healthcare and services as part of quality management and continuous improvement efforts.

Planera (Plan): In this phase, problems or opportunities are identified, goals are defined, and a plan is created. Key activities include gathering data, setting objectives, outlining actions, selecting metrics, and determining resources, responsibilities, and timelines.

Göra (Do): The planned actions are implemented on a small scale or within a controlled environment. This phase focuses on executing the process changes, collecting relevant data, and documenting what was done to facilitate later evaluation.

Kolla (Check): Results are measured and compared with the expected outcomes or targets. This involves analyzing data, assessing performance, and identifying any deviations, root causes, or unintended consequences.

Agera (Act): Based on the evaluation, decisions are made to standardize successful changes, modify the approach, or revert to a prior method. This phase may lead to a revised plan and a new cycle, fostering ongoing improvement.

Origins and use: PDCA originated in quality management, associated with Walter A. Shewhart and popularized by W. Edwards Deming. In Sweden, the terms have been adapted to PlaneraGöraKollaAgera and are used in manufacturing, service delivery, software development, and project management to promote systematic problem-solving and learning.

Benefits and limitations: The cycle encourages disciplined experimentation, data-driven decisions, and incremental improvements. It requires commitment, clear objectives, and reliable measurement; without these, cycles can become repetitive without meaningful gains.