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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordRoot Cause AnalysisATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)8D Problem Solving
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations Root Cause Analysis |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a problem keeps recurring and the cause stays unclear, the method exposes the underlying mechanism. It separates symptom, guess, and robust explanation from one another. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-4 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Problem Statement, Cause Hypotheses, Confirmed Causes, Action Plan | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Root causeProblem solvingQualityIncident | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |