The last step in PDCA is “Action” or implement the successful solution. If a pilot was conducted, or the initial negotiation session had subsequent sessions, then the “Do” and “Check” step will continue.
Considerations in this “Action” phase include:
Has an agreement been reached?
- 1If Yes,
Then, execute the agreement for deployment and then compliance. - 2If No,
Then, close the negotiations but keep the relationship if applicable for future potential negotiations.
Document lessons learned
Documentation should have been used throughout the entire process to help navigate the negotiations but to also help in contract management. Another benefit is it allows us to continuously improve—to use documentation and lessons learned for future negotiations with the same supplier or similar circumstances.