In the Deming's PDCA cycle, what is the first step?

The first step in Deming's PDCA cycle is indeed to plan, which involves identifying and analyzing a problem. During this phase, the focus is on understanding the issue at hand, determining the objectives, and developing a strategic approach to address the identified problem. This critical initial step sets the foundation for the subsequent phases, as it ensures that any solutions or changes made are based on a thorough understanding of the situation. Planning helps to gather relevant data, assess potential challenges, and outline the necessary actions needed to achieve desired improvements. By starting with a well-defined plan, the cycle can effectively progress to developing, testing, implementing, and measuring outcomes as outlined in the later stages of the PDCA cycle.