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Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Value Stream Mapping workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Delivery
Value Stream Mapping
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
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 a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMediumHigh
Timedifferent
15-30 min45-90 min1-3 h1-6 Wochen
Participantsdifferent
2-62-54-104-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisCurrent-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck list8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
LeanFlowWasteDelivery
QualityProblem solvingRoot cause
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