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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Delivery Value Stream Mapping |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 delivery work dissolves into wait times, handoffs, and hidden effort, Value Stream Mapping makes the actual flow visible. The method exposes bottlenecks, idle time, and feedback loops so lead time and improvement levers become tangible. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 1-3 h | 10-20 min daily | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 4-10 | 1 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Current-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck list | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LeanFlowWasteDelivery | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |