Shift Planning Mastery: Deming’s PDCA & ORDO Explained

May 17, 2023

by: Jason Fratus

Having spent over 25 years in the mining industry, I’ve garnered a wealth of experience, from operational roles in underground metalliferous mining in Australia to project management of tunnelling projects in the UK. One philosophy that has remained a cornerstone throughout my career is Deming’s Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model. It’s a continuous improvement model that, when meticulously applied, can transform any planning endeavour, including shift planning, to increase efficiency and meet targets.

Introducing Deming’s PDCA

For those encountering it for the first time, PDCA is a structured four-step approach to problem-solving and improvement:

Plan: Discern a goal or a challenge and then formulate a strategy to tackle it.

Do: Implement this strategy, albeit on a modest scale, as a pilot.

Check: Analyse the results of this test phase to ascertain if the intended objectives have been realised.

Act: Depending on the results, refine the strategy, or, if it proves efficacious, implement it on a larger scale.

Why PDCA is Instrumental in Shift Planning

As you no doubt know, in the complex realm of shift planning, numerous variables, from resource availability, activity schedules, crew availability, and unforeseen challenges, are in perpetual motion. Without a structured methodology, these fluid factors can result in inefficiencies and unmet objectives. By integrating the PDCA model, shift planners can continually refine their plans, achieving optimal resource utilisation and enhanced operational efficiency.

ORDO – Your PDCA Companion

Embracing the principles of the PDCA model, ORDO has been meticulously designed to serve as a comprehensive solution for shift planners:

Plan: ORDO boasts a user-friendly interface allowing shift planners to visualise their plan and seamlessly allocate resources such as equipment and staff ensuring alignment with shift objectives.

Do: Once the plan is set, ORDO simplifies its execution. Its efficient communication ensures every team member is informed about their activities, roles, and resource allocations. If unforeseen changes arise, ORDO’s interface allows planners to swiftly make amendments, as circumstances dictate.

Check: ORDO’s advanced reporting features enable a comprehensive review of how the plans transpire in real time. Insights into resource utilisation and variance to plan, allow planners to assess the plan’s effectiveness.

Act: With insights from the ‘Check’ phase, ORDO ensures planners have the tools at hand to adapt and refine their plans. Its user-centric design ensures swift adjustments to activity or resource allocations, priming the next shift with up-to-date information.

The Essence of Continuous Improvement

Having led Six-Sigma business improvement projects and undertaken extensive mine planning and research, I can attest to the transformative power of continuous enhancement. A well-executed yet flawed plan might yield short-term results, but for sustainable success, continuous evaluation and adaptability are paramount. Here, ORDO proves to be an indispensable partner.

Take the Next Step with ORDO

To further understand how ORDO can assist in developing and delivering efficient shift plans, book a demo with us today. Experience first-hand the transformative potential of ORDO.