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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis | ![]() Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 2-6 h | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |
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