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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations Standard Work Analysis |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude. | 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 a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-6 | 2-5 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Standard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training Needs | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | LeanProcessQuality | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | Root causeQualityOperations |