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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations 5 Whys |  Decision Making Pareto Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | 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. | In many problem situations, effect is distributed unequally across many causes. A Pareto Analysis separates the few drivers with high leverage from the long remainder and focuses attention on what measurably moves the needle. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 15-30 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-6 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Pareto Chart, Top Causes, Focus List |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | PrioritizationQualityFocusRoot cause |
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