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3 free PDCA templates for continuous improvement

3 free PDCA templates for continuous improvement

Hero author imageBy Ima Ocon
•
May 20th, 2025
•
4 min read
Hero image

Table of contents

  • Top PDCA checklist templates
    • 1. Plan Do Check Act template
    • 2. PDCA A3 template
    • 3. PDCA action plan template
  • How to create a PDCA template in Lumiform

The PDCA cycle—which stands for Plan, Do, Check, Act—is a four-step method for testing ideas and solving recurring problems. A PDCA template allows you to turn it into a reliable, repeatable system that you can actually track. By documenting every step of the cycle, you can keep your team aligned and be better prepared for audits.

With the PDCA templates below, you’ll be able to pinpoint what’s working and what isn’t, then implement corrective actions. This keeps the process clear and actionable so that PDCA drives real improvement for you. 

Top PDCA checklist templates

These templates guide you through planning, execution, and monitoring:

  1. Plan Do Check Act template

    Plan Do Check Act template
    Use this templateSee details
    Break down complex problems into manageable steps with a template for the full PDCA cycle. Designed for systematic problem-solving, it guides you through planning changes, testing them in a controlled setting, reviewing the outcomes, and standardizing successful improvements. It also covers objective-setting, implementation tracking, and follow-up actions. Each step is clearly laid out, making it easy to assign responsibilities and monitor progress. To tailor the template to your workflow, consider adding specific criteria that align with your KPIs or safety standards. Whether you’re addressing production inefficiencies or tightening up inspection protocols, this template offers a clear structure for being proactive with improvement.
    Use this templateSee details
  2. PDCA A3 template

    PDCA A3 template
    Use this templateSee details
    For those tackling bigger-picture challenges, this A3-style PDCA template helps you communicate and execute process improvements with clarity and focus. Inspired by lean methodologies, it combines the PDCA framework with the concise structure of an A3 report. This makes it ideal for aligning teams across departments. From root cause analysis to countermeasures and follow-up, each section prompts critical thinking and evidence-based decisions. Because it’s formatted to be short, you can quickly update it during team meetings or audits. For better alignment with your operations, try inserting your company’s problem categories or approval workflows directly into the layout. 
    Use this templateSee details
  3. PDCA action plan template

    PDCA action plan template
    Use this templateSee details
    If you already know what needs fixing and just need a reliable way to move from idea to execution, this action-focused PDCA template is for you. It sharpens your team’s attention on the “Do” and “Act” phases while still capturing essential planning and review points. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, track follow-ups, and evaluate effectiveness all in one place. There’s space to describe the issue, delegate steps to solve it, and then note the results. It’s a clean, practical layout designed for teams that need accountability built into their process. To personalize it, adjust the task categories to match your internal workflow. 
    Use this templateSee details

How to create a PDCA template in Lumiform

By using Lumiform for your PDCA processes, your team can document improvements and improve follow-through.. You can start with one of the customizable templates above or leverage the AI form builder to generate a layout based on your specific goals or industry needs.

The mobile app then lets your team access and fill out the template right where the work happens—on-site, in the warehouse, or during inspections. You can also assign tasks directly from the form if any issues come up during the “Check” phase, helping your team react fast and close the loop.

After completing the cycle, use built-in data analysis tools to track trends and identify recurring problems. With clear documentation and actionable follow-ups, your PDCA process turns into a real driver for continuous improvement.


Frequently asked questions

What’s a good way to define goals in the “plan” phase of pdca?

Identify the specific problem or inefficiency you’re addressing. Use SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—to keep objectives realistic and trackable. It’s also helpful to use historical performance data to set benchmarks and avoid setting vague or overly broad goals. The clearer your goals, the easier it is to measure success in the “Check” phase.

Can you run multiple pdca cycles at the same time?

Yes, and many teams do, but coordination is key. If you’re running cycles across different departments or projects, use a centralized tracking system to avoid conflicting changes. Staggering start dates can help too. Always assign a clear owner for each cycle to maintain accountability and avoid decision overlap. You can think of them like mini projects with their own lifecycle.

How do you adapt PDCA for urgent issues?

For reactive problem-solving, condense the “Plan” phase into a quick root cause analysis, take immediate corrective action, then use the “Check” phase to validate if the fix holds. Afterward, revisit the “Plan” phase to create a longer-term solution to prevent recurrence. It’s a powerful way to stabilize short-term fixes while still thinking long-term.

Author
Ima Ocon
Ima is a writer and editor who specializes in technology, with experience crafting content for companies like Canva and FluentU. She's passionate about startups, remote work, and language learning, as well as the applications of AI in marketing. Currently, she is based in Asia, and she previously studied in Taiwan and Singapore.
Lumiform offers innovative software to streamline frontline workflows. With over 12,000 ready-to-use templates or custom digital forms, organizations can increase efficiency and automate key business processes. The platform is particularly user-friendly, offering advanced reporting capabilities and powerful logic functions that enable automated solutions for standardized workflows. Discover the transformative potential of Lumiform to optimize your frontline workflows. Learn more about the product

Related categories

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