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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Operations Process Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 30-120 min | 45-90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 2-6 | 3-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LeanObservationProcessOperations | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ProcessOperationsImprovement |