View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Operations Bottleneck Analysis |  Operations Theory of Constraints |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a system that does not get faster despite effort, the method directs attention to the bottleneck. It concentrates improvement on the point that actually limits throughput. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 2-4 h Analyse, laufend | 1-2 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-12 | 1-8 | 2-5 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Bottleneck Map, Flow Metrics, Improvement Options, Follow-up Measures | Constraint Map, Improvement Plan, Flow Metrics | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | FlowMeasurementConstraints | OperationsConstraintsFlowImprovement | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |