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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordIncident CommandRoot Cause Tree AnalysisFailure Mode and Effects Analysis
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  DevOps Incident Command |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  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. | During an acute incident with several people involved, the method creates a clear leadership and communication structure. It reduces chaos when fast coordination and clean situational awareness are both needed at once. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | 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 | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | As needed | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 4-15 | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Incident Log, Action Tracker, Stakeholder Updates | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | IncidentOperationsReliability | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |