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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations Fault Tree Analysis |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Operations Barrier Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | 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. | For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 2-6 h | 1-6 Wochen | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-8 | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog |
Tags1 shared | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | RiskRoot causeSafety | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | Root causeSafetyIncident |