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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Business Strategy Value Chain Analysis | ![]() Business Strategy VRIO Framework | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Value Chain Analysis shows where value is created, costs accrue, and differentiation becomes possible along the process. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a value-chain map and lever list. | The VRIO Framework rates resources and capabilities on whether they are Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, and Organized. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a VRIO table and strategic actions. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | Half day | 90-180 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-8 | 3-6 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Value Chain Map, Lever List | VRIO Table, Strategic Actions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | StrategyBusiness modelDiagnosisAnalysis | StrategyDiagnosisBusiness modelCapability | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



