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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Barrier Analysis | ![]() Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving | ![]() Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | 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. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-4 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-6 Wochen | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeSafetyIncident | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |



