What are the best tools and techniques for data collection and analysis in the plan phase of PDCA?

Whom is defining the problem? Can you trust the person or people you tasked to provide that information accurately, correctly, and are you sure they provided everything?

Best tools and techniques for data collection and analysis in the Plan phase of PDCA include: #Data Sheets: To gather relevant data. #Checklists: For structured data collection. #Surveys: To collect opinions and feedback. #Histograms: For data distribution analysis. #Flowcharts: To visualize processes. #Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams: For cause-and-effect analysis. #SWOT Analysis: To assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. #Benchmarking: To compare performance with industry standards. #Brainstorming: For generating ideas and solutions. #Stakeholder Analysis: To identify key influencers and concerns.

For example, let's say a company wants to increase its sales revenue by 20% within the next year. A SMART goal statement would be: "To increase sales revenue by 20% within the next year by expanding our product offerings and improving our customer experience, as measured by quarterly financial reports and customer satisfaction surveys." The company could then use a SWOT analysis to identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to this goal, and benchmark against similar companies to identify best practices. The balanced scorecard could be used to align this goal with the company's vision, mission, and values, and track progress across financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth perspectives.

The OKR methodology is a great way to establish objectives (desired outcomes) and key results (aka KRs, key measures that drive outcomes). It's important to establish KRs that are directly correlated to meeting the business's objectives. For example, an objective of increasing customer satisfaction from 82% to 85% for all customers in 1 quarter might be achieved by reducing defect resolution times from 4 weeks to 2 weeks, hiring two CSMs, and creating additional trainings for on-boarding. Merely setting lofty goals such as 'attain perfect customer satisfaction' and setting measures in line with 'improve satisfaction from 82% to 90%' will not be achievable because the KRs inputs are not relevant, realistic, or measurable.

An uncommon opinion regarding the best tools and techniques for data collection and analysis in the plan phase of PDCA is that relying too heavily on data can actually be detrimental to the process. Instead, a combination of both qualitative and quantitative data can provide a more comprehensive view. Additionally, incorporating the expertise and experience of individuals involved in the process can add valuable insights. Finally, it's important to prioritize the collection of relevant data rather than trying to collect every possible data point.

By using a SIPOC diagram we can visualize every step of the process or processes and stablish in which part of the process we are going to be evaluating and obtaining data and information for our analysis.

Data review, analysis for action planning is a non negotiable fundamental: Review of internal and external data to identify I&Os and J2BD. Continuous Use of NRR / NRM levers(DS Mapping,Scurve,SKU by channel review, profitability growth Matrix,GPPD etc) is also very key use for identifying opportunities, driving sustainable and increased turnover and profitability. Simple templates which clearly shows agreed target audience, issue/ Opportunities, category/ Channel J2BD/ strategies, corresponding 6P AP With timelines very helpful.