In the Check phase the pilot data sits directly alongside the baseline and target figures from the Plan phase. The evaluation turns on one narrow question: did the intervention deliver the result that was predicted?
A pilot normally produces one of three realities — the countermeasure hit its mark, it moved nothing, or it caused unintended harm. All three carry value, because a disproven hypothesis still sharpens understanding by eliminating a wrong assumption.
Key Concept
The Check phase is a rigorous audit of pilot results against the original projection, paired with candid analysis of any shortfall.
Practical Example
The fulfilment team sees damage returns fall to 8 percent rather than the projected 3 percent, and the pilot log reveals weekend temporary staff were never shown how to fold the new inserts for oversized boxes.
Standard Procedure
- 1Benchmark actual pilot metrics against both the baseline and the target.
- 2Judge whether the shift is a real improvement or routine fluctuation.
- 3Diagnose the reasons behind any gap between forecast and outcome.
- 4Cross-reference the numbers with the deviation log from the Do phase.
Lesson Summary
- ✓Checking audits real trial data directly against the planned target.
- ✓A disproven hypothesis is still a productive result, because it rules out a flawed assumption.
- ✓Explaining why results diverged matters as much as calculating them.