What happens during the 'check' phase of the PDCA cycle?

During the 'check' phase of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, the primary focus is on evaluating the outcomes of the actions taken in the 'do' phase against the goals that were established in the 'plan' phase. This evaluation involves gathering data and analyzing the results to determine whether the expected outcomes were achieved. By assessing the effectiveness of the implemented actions, organizations can identify any gaps between actual performance and the desired objectives, allowing them to understand what worked well and what did not. This critical analysis provides insight into whether to continue, modify, or abandon certain strategies moving forward.

In this context, it's important to recognize that while evaluating outcomes is crucial, other choices such as resource reallocation, conducting performance reviews, or adopting new strategies follow the 'check' phase, as they stem from the insights gained during the evaluation.