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| Criterion | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Facilitation Dot Voting | ![]() Operations A3 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. | When a workshop has produced too many options and the group needs to condense quickly, dot voting makes preferences visible in a short time. It bundles individual votes into a solid signal for the next selection. | 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. | 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 | Low | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 5-15 min | 45-90 min | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-20 | 2-5 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Ranked list, Consensus signal, Shortlist | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | FacilitationVotingConsensusPrioritization | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |



