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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations Fault Tree Analysis |  Architecture arc42 |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects 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 critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 2-6 h | 1-2 Tage | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-8 | 1-4 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | RiskRoot causeSafety | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |