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| Criterion |  Operations Bottleneck Analysis |  Operations Process Mapping |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a flow that backs up at one point, the method looks for the capacity limit with the greatest leverage. It explains why extra effort elsewhere barely improves throughput. | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | For a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 0.5-5 Tage | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-10 | 4-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Bottleneck Map, Flow Metrics, Improvement Options, Follow-up Measures | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tagsno overlap | FlowMeasurementConstraints | ProcessOperationsImprovement | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement |