170 ◾ Lean Production Simplified, Third Edition
PDCA requires supportive management systems that make the current
status visible to all and that compel countermeasures. These can include
both formal and informal reviews.
Formal reviews should be held every six months (at the beginning of the
year, midyear, and at year end). The year-end review entails a summary of
what happened and informs next year’s strategic plan (which is presented in
January). Less formal reviews can include
◾ Daily status reports shared by the management team
◾ Weekly management team meetings wherein department heads report
status
◾ Shop floor process reviews of hot items
PDCA also requires a solid understanding of metrics and visual manage-
ment. SMART goals must be de ...