View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving | ![]() Delivery Value Stream Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | When delivery work dissolves into wait times, handoffs, and hidden effort, Value Stream Mapping makes the actual flow visible. The method exposes bottlenecks, idle time, and feedback loops so lead time and improvement levers become tangible. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 1-6 Wochen | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 4-10 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Current-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck list |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | LeanFlowWasteDelivery |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.






