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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordStandard Work AnalysisGemba WalkATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations Standard Work Analysis |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 30-120 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-6 | 2-6 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Standard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training Needs | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | LeanProcessQuality | LeanObservationProcessOperations | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |