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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Operations Gemba Walk | ![]() Operations PDCA Cycle | ![]() Operations Process Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. | 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 | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 30-120 min | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-6 | 1-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | LeanObservationProcessOperations | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | ProcessOperationsImprovement |



