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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations Waste Analysis |  Operations Root Cause Tree 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 process that keeps people busy but creates little value, the method exposes waste. It directs attention to unnecessary movement, waiting times, rework, and overdelivery. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 45-120 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Waste Map, Prioritized Waste, Improvement Backlog | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | WasteLeanProcess improvement | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality |
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